Immigration Counselor

At Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc., we are committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals and families in need. This role offers an opportunity to lead impactful programs, work with a dedicated team, and contribute to community-based solutions.

The IRR Immigration Counselor provides affirmative immigration services to the community, particularly for family reunification. Primary responsibilities include performing an assessment on immigration eligibility benefits, counsels' clients regarding the steps required to obtain legal permanent residency and/or becoming a U.S. Citizen, Informing clients of required documentation and assisting clients with completing immigration applications. This position will report to an IRR Attorney or Program Supervisor.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts thorough client consultations to determine if legal remedies exist for immigration issue(s) and screens clients for immigration/naturalization eligibility.
• Informs clients of document required by USCIS to file petitions and/or applications and where to obtain those documents.
• Tracks case and obtains necessary related documentation and related fees if applicable.
• Documents client information and all related services in case file.
• Assists with filing applications, petitions and forms with proper courts.
• Provides all services in line with applicable laws and regulations of the U.S. Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. State Department.
• Establishes and maintains good working relationships with U.S. Immigration personnel, Immigration judges and other government authorities.
• Translates documents as needed process cases.
• Requests, receives and records client fees related to case processing.
• Carefully reviews all case documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Maintains client files containing all documents related to immigration services provided.
• Within required timeframes, Inputs client data into various internal and external MIS systems as required.
• Handles clerical detail on caseload and as required within the program.
• Displays sensitivity to the client population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Two years of college in related field and/or one year of Immigration Counselor Trainee experience with a completion of 2 courses trainings; 12-month Family-Based Immigration Law and 6-month of complex Immigration Law, and at minimum High School Diploma required.
• Bilingual English speaker: Spanish, Farsi, Armenian, Russian, Dari and Arabic preferred.
• Able to translate documents.
• Interviewing and counseling techniques.
• Federal immigration and naturalization laws, regulations and procedures.
• Display sensitivity, tact, and responsiveness in various situations and needs.
• Maintain high level of confidentiality.
• Maintain accurate and orderly records and files.
• Able to complete tasks with a high level of technical accuracy and within established time perimeters.

Catholic Charities offers a wide range of employee benefits to support the total wellness of its employees. Our competitive package provides the flexibility to select the benefits that best meets the employee's needs. Benefits are effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan to include 401a/employer contribution only and 403(b)
• Supplemental Insurance Plans (AFLAC, Life Insurance, & Short Term Disability)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Vacation days - 12 days per year (Non-Exempt)
• Sick time - 10 days per year
• Short and Long Term Disability
• 13 holidays per year for regular full-time & part-time employees
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible
• Cell Phones for those working with Clients outside of the office
• Employee Recognition - Annual Staff Appreciation Day Event
• Free Parking

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