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Immigration Legal Assistant
Description
Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri has an opening for an Immigration Legal Experience. This is a non-exempt, full time position. This position will provide comprehensive immigration legal services under the supervision of a Department of Justice (DOJ) Accredited Representative. Preparing for and acquiring DOJ Accreditation within one year of hire is required. Catholic Charities will cover training and accreditation expense. Bilingual English/Spanish highly preferred. Possesses a strong commitment to the mission of Catholic Charities, including the understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and ability to demonstrate the philosophy and values of the agency. The identity of the agency is clearly Catholic. As such, Catholic Charities adheres to the social and moral teachings of the Catholic Church.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Under supervision of a DOJ Accredited Representative, performing duties that attorneys can
perform within the area of immigration law, that includes but is not limited to:
- Interviewing clients to assess immigration issues and provide appropriate legal immigration counseling on an individual case basis.
- Determining specific eligibility for immigrant legalization within the framework of U.S. Immigration laws.
- Completing USCIS case-appropriate applications such as family-based visa petitions, permanent residency, employment authorization, citizenship, deferred action and a variety of other USCIS applications.
- Working in close collaboration with assigned Managing Immigration Attorney and Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC).
- Maintaining clear lines of communication with clients at each level of their adjustment process(es), managing appropriate follow-up with both clients and the States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the National Visa Center (NVC) and/or the appropriate overseas American Consulate processing the case.
- Coordinating the scheduling of Immigration medical appointments and/or medical waivers and secure immunization requirements as needed for USCIS processing.
- Developing and maintaining individual case files.
- Working jointly with Director of Family Immigration Services on administrative and policy details related to Immigration Services/DOJ accreditation.
Working with agency and program leadership to complete and participate in initial and continuous orientation, training, supervision, and assessments, including annual performance evaluations, contributing to a culture of ongoing quality enhancement, growth, and sustainability.
Cultivating and sustaining positive working relationships with agency and program leadership, peers, and program staff, as well as local and regional service partners, and regional and national agencies, to ensure the delivery of high-quality client services and fulfillment of program initiatives, especially as it pertains to resettlement services.
Expectations
- Full-time staff members are required to attend their designated work site from Monday to Friday, typically from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Core working hours may be subject to change based on the specific role and the requirements of the program.
- Participates effectively as a team member through communication, cooperation, information sharing, and problem-solving.
- Attends and participates in staff trainings, meetings, activities, and programs as required.
- Utilizes common software and digital applications (Microsoft Office suite, Outlook, Teams, time- keeping software, etc.). None required.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervises AmeriCorps members, interns, and volunteers as assigned
Education and/or Experience
A high-school diploma or GED equivalent is required. An advanced degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to Catholic Charities’ mission and services and/or experience in delivery of social services and programs is preferred. Demonstrated success in working building/maintaining community relationships and knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching is preferred. Knowledge and/or experience of immigration or other legal services is preferred. Language proficiency is preferred.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Certification as a Department of Justice Accredited Representative desired. Ability to obtain DOJ certification within one year of hire is required. Catholic Charities will arrange training and cover training and accreditation expenses.
Other Qualifications
Ability to successfully pass a child abuse registry check and criminal background check, and requires completion of the Protecting God’s Children VIRTUS training session.
Licensed to operate a motor vehicle and ability to meet agency auto insurance coverage requirements. Local travel may be required.
Agency Identity and Mission
The work of Catholic Charities serves as an expression of the ministry of evangelization of the Roman Catholic Church by serving the poor and most vulnerable in our society. Although staff are not to proselytize, they are, however, expected to be guided in every way by the teachings of the Catholic faith in their daily work. These include church teachings on abortion, sterilization, abstinence, and the sanctity of the family as well as fidelity to the Catholic ethical religious directive of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. In addition, all staff are invited to attend periodic Catholic Masses. As employees of Catholic Charities, it is further expected that staff will adhere to the Diocesan code of conduct. Employees are expected to not only perform duties consistent with the Doctrines of the Catholic faith, but outside of the workplace they are expected to refrain from publishing any communication in any form, electronic or otherwise, that affiliates them with Catholic Charities in a manner that is inconsistent with the doctrine of the Roman Catholic faith.