Go Back
The key mission of Immigration Services is to assist newcomers in achieving not just legal status and economic self-sufficiency, but in becoming fully active participants in the social and civic life of our communities.
The Immigration Paralegal/DOJ Representative provides legal services to low-income clients with needs related to immigration legal benefits. The services include, among others, the following: (a) giving general consultation both on a collective and on an individual basis, (b) completing forms instituted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on behalf of clients, (c) representing clients before DHS, (d) administrative duties in the program, including data entry, client intakes, fee reconciliation, and answering phones.
This position serves clients from all over the Bay Area and will be based at either the San Francisco or San Mateo offices.
Salary: $32.00
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- The incumbent will have work between San Francisco and San Mateo locations.
- Under the supervision of the Senior Immigration Attorney and the Program Director, provides a variety of direct services to clients, either in individual or group settings.
- Obtains and Maintains BIA accreditation through on-going and immigration law training held by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, ILRC, and other accredited legal organizations.
- Once accredited represents clients before the CIS to more effectively advocate for them in family-based and humanitarian immigration petitions, waivers, U Visas, DACA, DAPA, naturalization, consular processing, asylum, and adjustments of status.
- Performs the intake and assessment of the legal needs of the clients who come to our doors looking for legal information and/or an avenue to obtain immigration benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
- After determining that a client is entitled to any given immigration benefit, prepares the application packet and mails the petition, accordingly, to the Citizenship and Immigration Service (CIS) or to the Executive Office of Immigration Review (Immigration Court).
- Maintains proper client files and documentary evidence required to prove eligibility for legal benefits and equities under INA.
- Determines the fees for services to be charged to each individual client taking into account both the complexity of the legal service that is being provided and the income guidelines established in our sliding-scale fee schedule.
- Participates in community events (some of them on weekend) performing different tasks including but not limited to: registration, intake, interpretation, form filling, or review and assessment
- Imparts presentations on immigration legal benefits and facilitates workshops both at the Program’s permanent site, at the parishes within the Archdiocese of San Francisco and in other community event organized by our Agency, Latin-American consulates, and other organizations.
- Administrative duties as determined by the director
- Other duties as assigned.
- Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree and/or equivalent experience. Equivalent experience may include advanced experience working in a legal environment.
- Previous BIA Accreditation preferred.
- A minimum of 2 years of direct experience providing legal immigration services and working knowledge of immigration law, policies and procedures required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
- Capacity to work under pressure with minimal supervision.
- Computer proficiency (Immigration Software preferred, Word, PowerPoint, E-mail, Internet)
- Excellent listening, communication, facilitation and influencing skills.
- Demonstrated planning, presentation and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated creativity and high energy.
- Ability to market our programs, make sound judgments and maintain perspective.
- Collaborative and able to develop, support and maintain positive relationships.
- Flexible with schedule, able to work evenings and weekends as needed.
- Experience working with or in a Parish or other faith-based community.
- Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge, and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in cross-cultural situations.
Compensation & Benefits:
We’re looking to find the best talent in the field – and we aim to keep it! Beyond providing competitive compensation based on education and experience, here’s what else we offer:
- A generous amount of vacation time/PTO – We value your self-care!
- Medical, Dental, & Vision
- Wellness Program – Get cash for voluntary health screenings and meeting health goals!
- 401 (k) Plan – We offer an employer match!
- Commuter Checks – Save money when you use public transportation!
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and is committed to providing equal employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, legal domicile status, veteran status, disability or AIDS/HIV status or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
IND123
#ZR
