Immigration Specialist chez Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need by improving lives, nourishing spirits; strengthening and empowering people, families, and communities; and committing to being present to our times through the eyes of faith.  

Immigration Specialist

The Immigration Specialist provides confidential immigration legal assistance and representation focused on family reunification, naturalization, and humanitarian relief, while ensuring compliance with DOJ accreditation standards, maintaining accurate records, and engaging in community outreach and education.

Job Responsibilities

1. Renders, highly confidential direct Immigration legal counseling assistance to clients concerning Immigration matters with emphasis on Family Reunification, Naturalization, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and U Visas, involving analysis and evaluation of data based on current U.S. Immigration and Naturalization laws as related to their cases. Gather information about individual cases to determine eligibility, advises clients on securing necessary documents to complete the required Immigration forms.  Refers Complex cases to primary pro-bono or low bono Immigration Attorneys as appropriate approval from the program Director and after writing authorization of release of information from client. 

2. Prepares the necessary immigration forms required by the US Immigration laws and regulations for clients eligible to receive the Immigration benefit and provides guidance regarding process involved, observing the professional conduct rules and procedures for practitioners under the National Accreditation by the Department of Justice (DOJ), which governs the professional conduct for attorneys and accredited representatives.

3. Accompanies and represents clients before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Chicago District Office, Department of Homeland Security, State Department, Consulates and Embassies abroad.

4. Responsible for taking fingerprints.

5. Participates in the planning of confidential administrative and organizational matters at the request of the program Director.

6. Gathers appropriate data regarding Immigration laws, regulations, and court decisions. Responsible for monitoring and procurement of ongoing technical data and research analysis on significant developments of Citizenship and Immigration laws.

7. Must be fluent in English and Spanish. Notarizes documents when needed.

8. Maintains up-to-date and accurate client's files and databases, as required by agency/programmatic policies and procedures, professional standard external requirements of all relevant regulatory, licensing or accrediting bodies while performing job expectations. Generate reports as required for funder and program compliance as needed.

9. Participates in community outreach and education related to Immigration laws and benefits available to immigrants.

PLEASE NOTE: Essential functions include all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

X Kneel and move from sitting, bending, kneeling or standing multiple times a day.

X Push and pull objects up to 25 pounds.

X Climb up and down up to 3 or more flights of stairs at a time.

X Lift up to 25 pounds.

  Additional Requirements:

Other Requirements Comply with program and/or Agency requirements related to (check all that apply).

X Background check, including any program-specific requirements.

  Physical examination

  TB Testing

  Drug Testing

  Driver's License and reliable transportation

  Agency-specified automobile insurance

  Additional Requirements:

Immediate Supervisor: Director, Immigration Services

Directly Supervises: N/A

Indirectly Supervises: N/A

Education and Experience Requirements:

Relevant Education

Minimum: Bachelor's degree

Preferred: Master's degree

Relevant Experience

Minimum: 1-2 years of experience as a Paralegal or in the social services field

Preferred: 4-6 years of experience as a Paralegal or in the social services field

Certification/Licensure

Minimum: N/A

Preferred: 40 hour domestic violence certificate