Legal Specialist - Immigration Law - Bilingual

Position Summary

The Immigration Representative III provides technical immigration advice, case supervision, and quality assurance for the Immigration Program staff. Working in tandem with the Assistant Director, Immigration this position provides services ranging from supporting and supervising the work of other Immigration Representatives to provide services for Family Based Petitions, U-Visa’s, T-Visa’s, Naturalization, and other immigration legal services, and assists with the identification and development of new services and policies/procedures.

Typical Duties Include (but are not limited to):

  • Revision of immigration petitions and applications to assure accuracy and appropriateness; consultative and technical advice to staff on immigration regulations; training on immigration regulations and procedures. Supervision of Immigration Representatives I and II, including performance management, time & attendance, and disciplinary actions.
  • Provide trainings and updates to the Accredited Immigration Representative I and II when requested.
  • Interview clients to determine eligibility for either admission as immigrant or other benefits (i.e. naturalization, self-petitioners, family-based petitions, appeals/waivers, etc.). Advise clients regarding recommended strategies for the optimal resolution of their cases.
  • Prepare client applications and petitions using computer software.
  • Maintain applications, records, and all required documentation according to program procedures; submit in a timely fashion.
  • Maintain and increase up-to-date knowledge of immigration law and policies through daily reading (e-mail list serves, publications) and participation in webinars, staff meetings, and periodic training.
  • Provide outreach, public presentations, assistance at workshops and events, training on immigration regulations, and quality assurance to clients and community-based organizations in the six-county service area, as needed.
  • Advise supervisor on development, assessment, and updating of policies and procedures for program.
  • Maintain DOJ Accreditation.
  • Attend meetings, trainings and/or conferences, and report back at the request of program leadership. Familiarity with the policies and procedures guiding the work of this position in particular and the program or department overall. Perform job functions in line with these policies and procedures.
  • Participation in training to enhance skill development, use of best practice standards, and in performance and quality improvement efforts.
  • Work with Diocese of Santa Rosa and local parishes as appropriate and requested
  • May be required to work evenings and weekends as needed.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Agency Culture: It is essential that all employees of Catholic Charities aspire to the following:

  • A commitment to the agency’s mission, vision, and values;
  • A commitment to excellence in everything we do;
  • A commitment to accreditation as well as performance and quality improvement;
  • A commitment to outcomes and measured results;
  • A commitment to innovation and to what is possible.

Education, Experience, and Skills Required:

  • Fully DOJ accredited, or partially DOJ accredited with at least three (3) years of progressive experience in the immigration law field, or supervision of Immigration Representatives II highly desirable. Bilingual (English/Spanish) required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of immigration law and regulations, especially in family-based immigration, and/or naturalization, and/or U-Visa, and/or T-Visa, and other required.
  • Strong writing and verbal communication, and organizational skills.
  • Proficiency in Windows, database programs, Microsoft Office suite, and the specialized software use by the Immigration Program.
  • Previous experience or involvement with immigrant community, preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to serve clients in a professional, welcoming, and efficient manner.
  • Strong organizational ability; attention to detail and accuracy and demonstrated ability to learn technical and legal information. Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
  • Cooperative, friendly, solution-oriented, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers. Ability to work closely with other employees to ensure positive, constructive environment within the program or department, and throughout the agency.
  • Passion and enthusiasm for the mission of CCDSR and its clients.
  • Computer literacy required, including experience with Office 365 and Excel.
  • Possess valid driver's license; at least state required minimum of auto insurance.
  • Must pass DOJ background clearance (fingerprinting) in accordance with the Diocese of Santa Rosa’s policies, prior to start of employment.

Physical Requirements:

  • Requires ability to sit up to 6 - 8 hours per day.
  • Requires ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, pull/push, and grasp up to 3 hours per day.
  • Occasionally may be required to lift items up to 25 pounds to a height up to 3 feet.
  • Occasionally may be required to carry items up to 25 pounds for distances up to one block.

Catholic Charities considers this position to be a mandated reporter of elder and child abuse.

CCDSR participates in E-Verify, an Internet-based system that compares information entered by an employer from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more, please go to: https://www.e-verify.gov/about-e-verify/what-is-e-verify.

NOTE: We are seeking someone who has experience with family-based petitions in both Consular Processes and Adjustments of Status.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Closing Date

Employment Type

Affiliate Agency

Employment Level

Job

Hours

Full Time

Classification

Non-Exempt

Position

Legal Specialist - Immigration Law - Bilingual

Organization

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa

Job Location

Santa Rosa, CA
United States