Summary: The Migration Counselor will join Catholic Charities Community Services (CCCS) working on the Ukrainian Response Initiative and the Preferred Communities – Afghan Supplemental Program assisting Ukrainian and Afghan Humanitarian Parolees with immigration/legal services. The Migration Counselor will provide immigration services under attorney supervision, including consultations, document preparation, application assistance, affidavit and brief writing, and necessary follow-up services. The Migration Counselor will also prepare and deliver presentations on various immigration issues.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Under the supervision of an attorney, participate in regular screening and self-help workshop events at CCCS sites, and remotely.
- Under the supervision of an attorney, provide information sessions and Know Your Rights presentations to the community.
- Under the supervision of an attorney, pre-screen for eligibility for immigration benefits.
- Under the supervision of an attorney, prepare, review, complete, submit, and follow-up on applications and motions in immigration matters, including but not limited to: employment authorization applications, adjustment of status applications, family reunification petitions, and applications for refugee travel documents.
- Research law and investigate facts to determine possible course of legal action and to prepare cases accordingly.
- Assist clients to obtain the documents necessary to apply for relief, fill out appropriate forms, and follow up with clients via phone, mail, and email.
- Prepare and make referrals to other legal service providers for cases identified through individual consultations and follow up with referral partners to track status of case acceptance.
- Create and maintain physical and electronic files, including managing correspondence with clients and documenting correspondence with immigration and other agencies. Manage systems data entry in internal (LLX and ECM) and external data management systems and assist with generating reports.
- Maintain and report statistical data as required.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position that will require working part-time at the several community-based organization sites. The remaining time will be spent performing case work at CCCS’ office and remotely. Days and hours of work are generally 9:00 AM to 5 PM Monday – Friday. Position requires willingness to travel locally and availability to work some weekend and evening hours as needed to meet program deadlines, or client needs.
Working conditions and physical demands required:
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Travel at least 50% of the time using public transportation or vehicle, traverse city streets, occasionally ascend/descend stairs, and be exposed to outside weather conditions.
- Remain stationary at a workstation and in meetings and use a computer at least 50% of the time.
- Remain stationary and/or ambulate to instruct and monitor during trainings and presentations.
- Carry a laptop to offsite work locations.
Qualifications
Education and/or experience required:
- Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent professional training related to the position.
Skills, Licenses, and/or competencies required:
- Fluency in English
- Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto
- Experience utilizing telephonic and in-person interpretation on sensitive matters.
- Effective communications skills, including written and verbal.
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Ability and experience working with diverse individuals and communities.
- Ability to work in a fast‐paced, high intensity environment.
- A plus, but not required:
- Experience working as an immigration legal administrative assistant or advocate; and
- Demonstrated a commitment to social justice issues and experience working in a non-profit, court, or community setting.