Why Work for CIRI?

Embark on a fulfilling career with CIRI, where you'll find more than just a job ? you'll find purpose. As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• Meaningful Mission: Contribute to an incredible mission of assisting refugees and immigrants in overcoming barriers to become self-sufficient, integrated members of the community.
• Professional Growth: Be part of a diverse and supportive team that encourages your growth and development.
• Community Connection: Establish long-term connections with the community and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, medical/dental/vision/life/403B plan, 13 paid holidays, 20 days of paid time off per year, and a commitment to work/life balance and self-care.
• Public Interest Loan Forgiveness: Benefit from eligibility for the Public Interest Loan Forgiveness Program.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Join the Journey: Empower Lives, Shape Futures at The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI)

Compensation: $42,500 to start with an increase to $44,00 upon DOJ accreditation Benefits (that currently include):

• Medical (Anthem): 3 copay/deductible options; base plan is $35/paycheck
• Vision (Mutual of Omaha): $60 per year; $130 hardware allowance
• Dental (Mutual of Omaha): $500 per year; $1,750 annual benefit
• Life: 1 x Salary to $100K; paid by CIRI
• Voluntary Life: Available to employees and family
• Disability: 60% of earnings; paid by CIRI
• Identity Theft: Optional coverage; paid by employees

POSITION SUMMARY: Legal Case Workers help immigrants, and their families with their immigration cases and questions through legal advice and counseling.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide confidential legal consultations and conduct initial assessments on immigration cases to determine eligibility for immigration benefits.
• Counsel and assist immigrants and their families with various applications for immigration benefits, including but not limited to, naturalization, family reunification petitions, and adjustment of status.
• Complete case related applications and petitions, supporting paperwork, and professional documentation of services.
• Carefully monitor and maintain electronic and paper files for each client and case, according to CIRI guidelines, as part of an organized case load.
• Stay abreast of changes in immigration policy and laws, attend required in-service trainings, and maintain documentation of trainings and experience for application and maintenance of accreditation.
• Participate and present in community outreach events as part of the Hartford Immigration Legal Services Team
• Maintain accurate records of all financial transactions for legal services.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Commitment to the agency?s core values and mission to assist immigrants and their families.
• BA or BS.
• Previous experience as a paralegal or BIA Accredited Representative for a BIA recognized agency, or equivalent knowledge of immigration laws and procedures preferred.
• Bi-Lingual oral and written skills in Spanish Required
• Excellent and effective writing skills, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Compassion for vulnerable clients and the ability to effectively work and communicate with clients of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, and experience working with case management programs.

CIRI is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

We are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application process. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact HR at DSchwarz@cirict.org to discuss your needs. We value all applicants and strive to make the application process accessible to everyone