Scope of Work
The Immigration Specialist provides assistance to refugees and other qualified immigrants to ensure they have access to immigrations services in accordance with grant and other obligations. The Immigration Specialist develops collaborative relationships with organizations in Southern California that seek or have access to potential clients for immigration services and identifies and recruits those clients to ensure they get suitable services. The Immigration Specialist also supports clients’ applications for immigration benefits, and works under the guidance of the BIA-accredited representative and with immigration staff, the ESL/Civics Instructors and the Volunteer Coordinator. The Immigration Specialist is supervised closely but has the opportunity to exercise independent judgment and initiative. This is a permanent, full-time position supervised by the Immigration Program Coordinator located in the IRC-Los Angeles office, which is in Glendale, CA.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Screen and assist eligible individuals to file applications and petitions for immigration benefits (e.g., adjustment of status, family reunification and naturalization) both on-site and off-site, including at citizenship group processing workshops. • Maintain accurate immigration records and reviewing all files periodically to ensure timely applications, submissions and follow up on all communications regarding filed petitions. • Adhere to the IRC’s financial accounting and record‐keeping policies. • Conduct outreach to local refugee, asylee and immigrant communities about the availability of low‐cost immigration legal services. • Maintain accurate project tracking records and submit all report data on time. • Attend program‐related meetings with USCIS and community-based organizations, among others, and reporting the substance of those meetings to supervisors and staff. • Coordinate with the Volunteer Coordinator to identify volunteer roles and assign volunteers. • Screen and assist clients with completing and filing applications to bring Central American Minors (CAMs) as refugees, and manage CAM cases while they are processing. • Ensure compliance with case file management and reporting requirements and with grant requirements.
Requirements
• Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning; preferably in a related field such as social work; international/intercultural studies, etc. • Minimum of one to three years of relevant work experience; preferably in the social services sector or nonprofit environment. • Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment • Proven ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to exercise independent judgment responsibly • Excellent problem-solving skills and the abilities to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively • Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in Spanish is required • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and internet navigation and research; database experience preferred. • Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance and the ability to travel regularly through the service delivery area (to conduct home, agency and service provider visits).
Work Environment • A blend of standard office environment and outside and other locations in and around the service delivery area.
How to apply
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Taylor.Crotty@rescue.org.