What are the responsibilities and job description for the Catholic Social Services Volunteer Immigration Assistant position at Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of...?
Volunteer Immigration Assistant
Part-time volunteer position located in the City of Wilkes-Barre, PA. The volunteer will support the immigrant population by completing required documentation. The position requires the completion of a training course and accreditation through the Department of Justice (DOJ). The applicant must be 18 years of age and able to pass the background checks required by Catholic Social Services. This is a great opportunity for someone wanting to help the immigrant community and develop new skills in immigration law and advocacy.
Volunteer Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist DOJ-accredited representatives with the preparation and review of immigration forms and supporting documentation.
- Conduct initial client intake interviews and gather relevant case information under staff supervision.
- Research country conditions, immigration policies, and legal updates to support case preparation.
- Assist clients in gathering required documents such as identification, birth certificates, and financial records.
- Maintain accurate and confidential client case files in compliance with program policies.
- Communicate with clients in a culturally sensitive and professional manner.
- Support clients in understanding the immigration process and next steps in their cases.
- Assist with translation of documents as needed (bilingual volunteers preferred but not required).
- Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and case reviews as scheduled.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervising DOJ-accredited representative.
Required Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework in social work, legal studies, public health, or a related field is preferred.
- Must be of good moral character, dependable, reliable, and culturally sensitive.
- Must consent to and pass a criminal background check as required by Catholic Social Services.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all client information.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English; bilingual ability (Spanish or other languages) is a strong plus.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Must complete the required DOJ accreditation training course prior to working directly on cases.
- Must complete the VIRTUS training program as required by the Diocese of Scranton.
Benefits of Volunteering:
- Gain hands-on experience in immigration law and social services.
- Develop professional skills in case management, client communication, and legal documentation.
- Work alongside experienced, DOJ-accredited immigration representatives.
- Earn community service hours and a letter of recommendation upon satisfactory completion.
- Make a meaningful difference in the lives of immigrants and families in the greater Scranton/Wilkes-Barre region.
- Receive specialized training through the Department of Justice accreditation program.
Contact Information: To find out more or apply for one of these volunteer positions, please contact Fikile Ryder at (570) 455-1521 ext. 4304 or fryder@cssdioceseofscranton.org.
Pay: $1.00 per hour
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person