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ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:
Catholic Charities is one of the largest, oldest, and most comprehensive nonprofit human services organizations in Northern California, annually reaching more than 60,000 vulnerable individuals of all faiths in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin Counties. With a staff of approximately 450, reaching peaks of nearly 600 with seasonal hires, a budget of $54.3 million, and a current governing board of 27, this venerable, fully-accredited, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit addresses some of the most pressing community needs – homelessness, generational poverty, immigration, inequality, hunger, aging in isolation, and communicable disease - to name a few – with compassion and services of highest quality.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
JOB TITLE: :Immigration Legal Assistant
PROGRAM / DEPT: :Refugee&Immigrant Services San Mateo
FLSA STATUS:: Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: :Program Director
SUPERVISOR OR MANAGER:: : No
NON-UNION or UNION: Union
UNION CLASSIFICATION::PL1
UNION TITLE: :Case Manager I
PROGRAM & POSITION SUMMARY:
Founded in 1907 and rooted in our traditions of charity, justice and equality, Catholic Charities supports families, aging adults and adults with disabilities, and youth through human services and opportunities for healthy growth and development. The key mission of Catholic Charities Immigration Legal & Support 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 Legal Assistant will provide coordination, direct assistance and follow-up to low-income clients with needs related to immigration legal benefits and/or remedies. Depending on whether the position is in Removal Defense, SIJS (Special Immigrant Juvenile Visa) or on the Affirmative Team, and always in direct supervision of an attorney or DOJ Representative, responsibilities may include, among others, (1) scheduling appointments with clients, (2) completing forms and gathering supporting documentation for submission to US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) or State Court (family court or probate court for predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile visas (SIJS)), (3) preparing forms and motions for filing with the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR), (4) preparing written declarations in support of immigration benefits or remedies, (5) following up with clients who previously attended workshops, and (6) answering client queries both telephonically and in person.
The position serves clients from all over the Bay Area and will be based in San Francisco (for Removal Defense position) or in San Mateo (for SIJS or Affirmative Team position)
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Under the supervision of a Supervising Attorney or DOJ Representative, provides a variety of legal services to clients.
- With said supervision prepares checklists for clients and other supportive materials required for the provision of legal services.
- Prepares immigration forms, to be submitted to USCIS, EOIR or State Court, and assembles application packages for final review and signature by Supervising Attorney or DOJ Representative.
- Interfaces with clients to complete orientations to the legal process, translation of documents, document collection and review.
- Data entry and record keeping in standardized legal service software.
- Additional Responsibilities for legal assistants on Removal Defense Team::
- Conducts supportive research for asylum or cancellation cases (i.e. country conditions research).
- Prepares detailed declarations in support of asylum claims, applications for cancellation of removal or other remedies to be presented in Immigration Court.
- Additional Responsibilities for legal assistants on Affirmative Team::
- Prepares detailed declarations in support of waiver applications, U visas, VAWA applications;
- Interfaces with National Visa Center and/or American Consulates abroad in preparing applications for consular processing
- Additional Responsibilities for legal assistants on SIJS Team::
- Researches local rules when necessary in preparing State Court guardianship petition to ensure that all local (county) requirements are met in the submission of guardianship petition.
- Prepares detailed declarations when requested in support of guardianship application.
- Interfaces with both Unaccompanied Minor and their guardian
- Submits petition or application, accordingly, to USCIS, EOIR, State Court, National Visa, or Consulates abroad, via U.S. Postal Service or other carriers, or digitally via email or electronic filing, to the Executive office of Immigration Review (Immigration Court) .
- Maintains proper client files and documentary evidence required to proof eligibility for legal benefits and equities under INA.
- Prepares thorough and detailed notes in case management system regarding interactions and conversations with clients, status of case, documents required and all other information vital for review and audit of file.
- Maintains spreadsheet of all active cases and review list either weekly or biweekly with supervising attorney or DOJ Representative.
- Compiles reports as requested.
- Provides accurate information/referrals to clients with other needs that could be met by our Agency or by other community organizations. Participates in community events (some of them on weekends) performing different tasks including but not limited to: registration, intake, interpretation, and form filling.
- Attends regular mandatory staff meetings.
- 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.
- Experience directly related to the job qualifications will be considered in lieu of a degree.
- Direct experience providing legal immigration services and working knowledge of immigration law, policies and procedures required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:::
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) required. :
Cultural sensitivity.
Excellent translation and interpretation skills.
Excellent writing skills
Capacity to work under pressure with minimal supervision.
- Extensive knowledge using LawLogix or any other Immigration or Case Management Software.
Excellent listening, communication, facilitation and influencing skills.
Demonstrated planning, presentation and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to compile reports in an organized, completed manner.
- Ability to self-start on projects and to be proactive in anticipating needs of the project.
- Interest in obtaining accreditation with the Board of Immigration Appeals to become a DOJ Representative, a PLUS.
- Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in cross-cultural situations.
Prerequisites Required Prior to the First Day of Employment::
Fingerprints: Required:TB Screening -Negative Tuberculosis Test: N/A:First Aid Certificate: N/A:
COVID-19 Vaccination: Required:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Intermittent :bending, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, and walking.
Intermittent lifting, pushing, and pulling.
- Intermittent repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.
The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading.
Driving is required for this position.
If driving a car is required for the position, incumbent must have a valid California driver's license and be able to provide proof of DMV record and personal insurance (if required.)
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.
Noise level in the 36 37th Avenue offices (where this position will be housed) in San Mateo is usually minimal; however, the Immigration Program is a work environment that consists of a 8:30am-5:00pm office environment, with weekly workshops, scheduled client appointments in person and over the phone consultations, information and referral, and intake. The Noise level in the Mission office is greater as the office is located on Mission Street near the 24th Street BART station.
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.