Paralegal Intake Specialist - IDPL (Citizensh

Paralegal Intake Specialist - IDPL (Citizenship)

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Instituto del Progreso Latino is a community organization whose mission is to contribute to the fullest development of Latino(a) immigrants and their families through education, training and employment that fosters participation in the changing U.S. society while preserving cultural identity and dignity.  Founded in 1977 to help Latino’s learn basic skills, pass the civil service exam and obtain higher paying post office jobs, Instituto has grown to a flourishing educational center serving over 14,000 Chicago families per year.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of the Director of  Citizenship and Immigration Legal Services, assisted by the Lead Attorney, the Paralegal Intake Specialist is responsible for assisting directly in processing various immigration forms and work permits processed by the Immigration Legal Services Office, such as asylum applications, Employment authorization documents, (EAD), Adjustment of Status (AOS), collection and organization of supporting documentation, meeting with clients in follow up appointments, filling out initial screening or partial application documents at workshops, and diverse administrative support tasks directly related to immigration legal services clients. The Paralegal Intake Specialist will interact with clients in the office and at workshops for IDPL and partner organizations. The Paralegal Intake Specialist helps to ensure that legal guidelines are followed, that filing documents is timely and adheres to departmental policies, providing superior customer service when in contact with the public, and may assist preparing data for weekly or monthly funder program reports. The Paralegal Intake Specialist assists in processing applications in the office and at workshops held on the weekend. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Helps to fill out diverse USCIS and EOIR immigration forms, N-400, TPS, AOS, applications, I-90, or if needed Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA), and/or asylum as directed, and under the guidance and supervision of an accredited specialist or attorney.
• Provides information to legal services clients in a one on one setting, assisting them directly on how to fill out approved sections of an application or form.
• Studies and learns how to recognize USCIS, EOIR and internal legal program requirements for completeness and eligibility of forms under the supervision of an attorney, to ensure a successful submission and avoid further Requests for Evidence.
• Assists in checking packets for completeness and preparation for submission to USCIS and EOIR.
• To help process N-400 applications at the legal review in office and at workshops. 
• Adheres to legal guidelines and best practices during all phases of processing USCIS legal applications.
• Participates in civic activities in support of the program or attends program meetings and trainings as requested.
• Participates in training on immigration policies and regulations. 
• Works collaboratively and cooperatively with other IDPL staff, clients, and supervisors.
• Demonstrates an ability to work in a team with colleagues.
• Exhibits professional courtesy in dealing with program participants, colleagues, and team members, and the public.
• May work weekends and week nights as needed or requested in project-based activities.
• Return client inquiries and phone messages in timely manner.
• Shows enthusiasm to assist immigration legal services clients.
• Attend further professional development as indicated in employee evaluation.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Paralegal certificate training or approved USCIS immigration sequence completed
• No legal impediments to DOJ accreditation
• At least one year previous experience in a citizenship, legal, or nonprofit setting
• Bilingual English and Spanish preferred
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Ability to maintain a high sense of confidentiality
• Able to work with a wide variety of people
• Exceptional organization and time management skills
• Above average customer service approach
• Ability to maintain composure under pressure
• Dependable and punctual
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the Internet
• Ability to use applications such as Zoom, Teams, Facebook Live, and other Video Chat applications
• Ability to use electronic software to fill out forms (USCIS online, or Law Logix)

The above is intended to describe the general conditions of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities and requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

Nature of work requires an ability to sit or stand for long periods of time, speak during presentations in front of groups, and operate standard business office equipment.  Requires ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files.

WORKING CONDITIONS  

The majority of the work performed for this position is in a general office environment.  It requires the availability to work extended and non-traditional hours to perform the job duties. It also requires participation and attendance to the organization sponsored events and meetings during non-regular business hours as well as commuting from site to site to perform this work.  

BENEFITS

Medical

Dental

Vison

Life Insurance

Short Term Disability

Long Term Disability

403b retirement saving plan 

PAID TIME OFF

Vacation

Sick

Personal

Holidays

Instituto del Progreso Latino is an Equal Opportunity Employer