Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is a non-profit organization with Corporate Offices in Phoenix and Tucson and additional offices throughout Arizona.
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest administers programs and services to help build collaborative Community Partnerships and strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
Working for our organization is a positive, challenging and rewarding experience with opportunities for personal and professional development.
Exempt: Exempt Base Wage: $65,000 per year Reports to: Department Director Department: Refugee and Immigration Program: Refugee and Immigration Location: Tucson, Arizona Position Type: Date Reviewed: March 2024
General Description:
In concert with the Director, this position overseas the implementation and development of
immigration and legal services for all Refugee and Immigration offices. This includes
supervising and working closely with all Legal Services staff, creating location specific
immigration program manuals, pursuing grants and additional funding opportunities, increasing
revenue, and exploring opportunities for program expansion. Implements the objectives of
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest and all contracting funders through staff supervision,
monitoring of compliance standards, documentation, and ongoing training and advocacy. The job
requires sensitivity to the program population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
WEIGHT DESCRIPTION 151. Oversee the operations of Immigration Services in Phoenix and Tucson
ensuring program efficiency and quality. Create and/or modify program
manuals and materials based on best practices.
2. Provide direct case management support and counsel to clients seeking
citizenship and immigration services before USCIS through the completion of
immigration intakes, applications, and review of immigration applications as
completed by other staff members under supervision.
3. Complete follow-up for client applications as needed; Ensure the proper
filing, documenting, and security of all immigration cases; Maintain
accurate/complete case file system, database, case load, and legal fee system.
Regularly communicate program performance and/or related issues to the
Director.15General Management
1. Conduct all activities with a commitment to the organization's mission and
strategic plan; focus efforts to inspire a client-centered approach to quality
service delivery and operational excellence; uphold all policies and
procedures.
2. Coordinate and manage the daily immigration operations to ensure
compliance with all contracts and agreements including the monitoring of
case files; be ultimately responsible for program execution and service
delivery.
3. Provide excellent customer service and exhibit respectful, professional
conduct in all communications, including in-person, written, and
electronically. This includes good working communication with community
partners and funders; the ability to set appropriate professional boundaries; to
respond to and manage conflict that may arise; and to maintain a positive,
customer-oriented attitude always.
4. Must maintain confidentiality and follow policies related to personnel records
and client records; and maintain appropriate boundaries between professional
and personal issues.15Financial Management
1. Assist with the development of program budgets and manage/monitor
program finances according to policy and procedures.
2. Coordinate with the Finance department on all finance policies, processes,
and internal controls.
3. Ensure check or funding requests meet accounting and program standards and
are submitted on a timely basis.
4. Carefully manage cash and cash equivalent accounts (petty cash, gift cards,
etc.) in accordance with accounting policies and controls; ensure that cash
accounts are reconciled monthly.15Program Management and Compliance
1. Research and pursue areas for possible program expansion.
2. Responsible for the local execution and adherence to program requirements
for appropriate contract/grant/program.
3. Identify and record information accurately that will be used to assist in the
interaction between the Client, Employee and Funder. Communicate to
Director client status changes and other concerns, issues.
4. Responsible for data collection, analysis, evaluation and reporting of
performance measures in accordance with LSS-SW and contractual standards
and requirements. Maintain tracking and software systems to capture data and
schedule authorized services. Follow up and follow through.
5. Review and audit case files for compliance monthly; prevent compliance
issues through consistent monitoring, follow-up training, and staff
performance reviews and coaching.
6. Oversee production of contract/grant reporting and billing for each program;
make certain reporting and other requests for information are submitted on time, complete, and of high quality15Human Resources
1. Supervise law student interns; Identify and train employees/volunteers for
BIA accreditation.
2. Recruit, train, and develop staff according to policy and procedure and
adhering to organizational goals, values, and culture.
3. Directly supervise staff and ensure that the responsibility, authority, and
accountability of all directly supervised employees are defined, understood
and successfully carried out.
4. Develop, implement, and coordinate staff continuing education, community
awareness training and workshops.
5. Create a positive, safe, and productive work environment for all staff; ensure
staff time is managed in-line with job description and duties; coordinate timeoff requests, day-to-day activity scheduling, and ensure staff are working
within assigned hours and budgetary limitations.
6. Maintain open and direct communications with all staff; ensure staff issues
and concerns are properly and promptly resolved; cultivate staff for
professional development, retention, and personal growth.10Community Engagement
1. Work in partnership with Philanthropy and Volunteer Services to strengthen
and support a philanthropic culture within and beyond LSS-SW. Support,
enhance, and grow faith and community engagement, goodwill, and resources
to support clients.
2. Develop and maintain relationships with collaborating agencies, local
communities, and congregations; attend area coalition meetings and
community consultations.
3. Represent the organization in the community as an industry and issue expert
by presenting at workshops and trainings and serving on task forces and
workgroups.
4. Participate in regular immigration meetings, conferences, and training to
ensure up to date knowledge and information, and/or provide similar
opportunities for staff.
5. Conduct program-related community outreach presentations on immigration
issues.
6. Maintain professional contacts in local and national immigration community
including but not limited to USCIS, NVC and CLINIC.
7. Serve as program representative in communication with government officials
and/or community members.5Maintain an established work schedule, including a high level of self-direction
and responsibility. May include State and National travel.2.5Follow internal protocol immediately regarding safety, health, and the
environment of the member and employee workspace and workplace equipment.2.5Maintain status for professional credentials.2.5Present a professional attitude and always wear professional attire.2.5All other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Manages and supervises Immigration staff as may be necessary
to accomplish program objectives. Responsible for the overall supervision and management,
coordination, and evaluation of staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with
organization's policies and procedures and under the direction of the Director. Responsibilities
include advertising for, interviewing, hiring, and training staff; planning, assigning and directing
work; appraising performance, addressing complaints, and resolving problems to the best of their
ability.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty
satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or
abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.
•Bachelor' Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
•Previous Immigration experience preferred.
•Provide and maintain a current certification in First Aid and CPR.
•Provide and maintain a current Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card, clear the
Department of Economic Security Central Registry Background Check and a criminal
background and motor vehicle screening; must maintain valid AZ Driver's License, a
clear driving record and reliable transportation for the duration of employment.
•Notary Public Certification
•BIA (Board of Immigration Appeals) Recognition and Accreditation
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
•Proficient computer skills and knowledge of Outlook and Microsoft Office Programs (i.e.
Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
•Excellent interviewing, perceptual, diagnostic and assessment skills.
•Ability to relate well with individuals of varied lifestyles, backgrounds and ethnicities.
•Experience in cultural diversity.
•Ability to assess individual's strengths and weaknesses.
•Experience in mediation and other interventions.
•Ability to participate as a member of a team, including collaboration, cross-training, and
mutual assistance.
•Ability to work independently with high initiative.
•Strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to articulate
commitment to and passion for the Lutheran Social Services mission and refugee
resettlement in public venues.
•Team player who takes initiative, demonstrated networker, and ability to work with
diverse populations cross culturally, cross faith traditions and cross programs.
•Project management skills that include organizing, documentation, multi-tasking,
prioritizing and meeting deadlines.
•Understanding and appreciation for a philanthropic culture and faith-based nonprofit
agencies.
•Ability to travel in and out of state as requested by supervisor.
Language Skills:
Ability to communicate clearly. Ability to listen and perceive need. Ability to work with people
from diverse backgrounds non-judgmentally. Ability to effectively present and represent LSSSW and the program's needs to religious and community groups as well as others in the social
services community. Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in one of the
predominant languages of the local client base is preferred.
Mathematical Skills:
Ability to understand basic math and calculations.
Reasoning Abilities:
Ability to define problems, collect data, evaluate information, draw conclusions, and take
appropriate action based on this information. Ability and confidence to make decisions when
appropriate and when to solicit guidance.
Physical Demands/Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics here are representative of those that
are needed by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
•While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit or stand for
long periods. The employee frequently is required to use hands to hold objects and
operate office equipment.
•The employee is required to be able to listen and communicate effectively.
•The employee may be required to occasionally lift and/or move 25 lbs.
•The noise level in the work environment varies with the activity level of the facility.
•The employee must be able to orientate and navigate well within the Program's
geographic boundaries, be willing to drive to client's home, and conduct home visit tasks
in client's home.
•Maintain valid AZ Driver License and reliable transportation.
•Ability to work within the mission of LSS-SW.
All positions at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest require a background check.