Summary: The Migration Counselor provides immigration services under attorney or DOJ-accredited representative supervision, including consultations, application assistance, and necessary follow-up services.
The Migration Counselor also prepares and delivers presentations on various immigration issues.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Advise and counsel clients on immigration and naturalization applications and issues as they arise under the Immigration Nationality Act of 1965 and any of its later amendments.
- Conduct intake interviews primarily at the ONA Opportunity Center in the Bronx and at other CCCS sites in Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island and the seven counties of the Lower Hudson Valley, as assigned.
- Provide application assistance on scheduled one-on-one appointments primarily at the ONA Opportunity Center in the Bronx and at other CCCS sites in Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island and the seven counties of the Lower Hudson Valley, as assigned.
- Conduct intake interviews and provide application assistance in naturalization and deferred action cases at the ONA Opportunity Center in the Bronx, including during naturalization and deferred action workshops.
- Review intakes and applications with a supervising attorney or accredited representative.
- Assist attorneys and accredited representatives with their cases.
- Research law and investigate facts to determine possible course of legal action and to prepare cases accordingly.
- Prepare, review, complete, submit, and follow-up on applications in routine types of immigration matters, including but not limited to: basic consultations, relative petitions, naturalization petitions, adjustment of status applications, consular visa processing, employment authorization applications, green card replacement applications, nonimmigrant visa extension and change of status applications, U/T visas, etc.
- Prepare for and conduct presentations, workshops and outreach events on various immigration issues throughout the Archdiocese of New York.
- Maintain and update client hard file and electronic records using the computerized immigration software LawLogix.
- Maintain and report statistical data as required.
- Attend trainings on various immigration laws, procedures and policies and keep up-to-date with legal developments in the immigration field.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are generally 9:00 AM to 5 PM Monday – Friday.
Additional hours are required to meet client-related and/or 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 20% 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 work station and in meetings, and use a computer at least 60% 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.
- Previous experience in immigration law and procedures strongly preferred.
- Previous DOJ/BIA accreditation preferred.
Skills, Licenses, and/or competencies required:
- Bilingual in English and another language (Spanish preferred).
- Comprehensive knowledge of software appropriate to the office environment.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills.
- Good interpersonal skills and an ability to work with clients from different cultures and backgrounds.
- Ability to travel throughout the Archdiocese.
COVID-19 Adjustment: Position will be onboarded virtually. Potential to orient to the physical office space in person depending on CDC and agency requirements at the time of onboarding. Updates to protocol are implemented on a regular basis.
Catholic Charities and Catholic Charities Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.
