What are the responsibilities and job description for the Immigration Legal Counselor - Harrisburg, PA position at Church World Service and Careers?
About CWS:
Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.
Purpose:
The Immigration Legal Counselor manages and completes cases, from start to finish, for an immigration caseload with a variety of family-based and humanitarian immigration dynamics, maintains documentation of services provided to clients, compiles and reviews case files, provides follow up on the status of applications filed on behalf of clients, and represents clients before USCIS and the Immigration Courts.
Responsibilities:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Represents clients in immigration matters before USCIS and negotiates with key stakeholders on behalf of clients. Accompanies applicants to immigration interviews as deemed necessary in consultation with the Program Coordinator.
- Provides legal advice and representation to clients on family-based and humanitarian-based immigration matters. Accurately completes and files applications on behalf of clients for refugee/asylee family reunification, affirmative asylum claims, work authorization documents, family petitions, permanent residency, consular processing, VAWA petitions, T and U visas, and others.
- Maintains accurate, complete and confidential files of own casework, including case notes.
- Conducts individual or group information sessions, including outreach, per program directives.
- Assists leadership in preparing reports and compiling data as requested.
- Keeps supervisor informed of complaints, issues and/or problems for timely investigation and resolution.
- Works closely with supervisor to keep informed about immigrant issues and conducts legal research to support filed immigration applications.
- Attends local and national training to obtain/maintain accreditation with the Department of Justice.
- Represents the program at meetings and speaking engagements relevant to the responsibilities of the position.
- Undertakes other duties as assigned.
- Works varied hours, including some night and weekend work for group application workshops.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in lieu of degree.
Experience:
- Minimum 3 years previous work experience in immigration representation and other areas of immigration law.
- Familiarity with US immigration issues and terminology and with DHS documentation as it relates to refugees, Cuban/Haitian Entrants, parolees, asylees, and other immigrants.
- Partial accreditation through the Department of Justice required (CWS will apply on the incumbent’s behalf).
Skills:
- Fluency in Spanish is preferred.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills are required.
- The successful candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word and Access) and internet applications.
The job will require reference checks, standard criminal background checks, and motor vehicle background checks.
Benefits : CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes: - 403 (b) Retirement Plan - Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance - Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years) - 14 Official Holidays - 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly) - Life Insurance and AD&D - Long Term and Short-Term Disability - Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Health Savings Account - Flexible Spending AccountsSalary : $45,200 - $56,500