Intake Specialist

Spanish Community Center; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Spanish Community Center in Joliet, Illinois is seeking a full-time Intake Specialist to manage immigration legal services. You will conduct client interviews, maintain records, and support community engagement by facilitating language and citizenship classes.

The role demands bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English, a relevant degree, and experience in nonprofit settings. The position offers benefits such as health insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a nonprofit, legal services, or community-based setting.
• Previous legal experience highly preferred.
• Must be eligible for DOJ partial accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct eligibility interviews and gather case information.
• Maintain accurate client records and manage communications.
• Provide administrative support to the immigration team.

Skills

Fluent in Spanish and English

Interpersonal communication

Knowledge of office practices

Ability to work collaboratively

Experience in group facilitation

Education

Associate degree in social services, legal studies, or education

Tools

MS Office suite

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Job Title: Intake Specialist

Program: Citizenship and Immigration (C&I)

Reports To: Citizenship and Immigration Director

Employment Status: Full-time

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Hourly Rate: $20

Position Summary

The Immigration Intake Specialist plays a vital role in the initial screening and administrative coordination of immigration legal services at a Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited organization. This position serves as the first point of contact for individuals seeking services and is responsible for gathering case information, determining eligibility, maintaining client records, managing client communication, and supporting data and reporting functions. The Intake Specialist also facilitates English language and citizenship preparation classes and provides interpretation, translation, and outreach support. This position does not provide legal advice and works under the supervision of a DOJ-accredited representative or immigration attorney.

Client Services & Intake

• Conduct phone and in-person interviews to determine eligibility for services and gather basic case facts
• Provide clients with guidance on next steps, required documentation, and available resources
• Refer ineligible clients to legal service providers or community-based resources
• Communicate case status updates, request documents, and schedule appointments
• Interpret for clients during internal appointments and translate immigration-related documents

Case Management & Recordkeeping

• Maintain accurate and timely records of client interactions and case notes in both electronic databases and physical files
• Input and update client data in case management systems and internal spreadsheets
• Prepare case summaries, draft correspondences, and file legal documents under supervision
• Submit monthly scholarship invoices and manage tracking of client payments and fee waivers
• Complete monthly and quarterly reports in compliance with agency and state mandates

Program Support & Coordination

• Provide administrative support to the immigration team, including maintaining office supplies and managing incoming/outgoing mail
• Coordinate with other SCC programs to ensure clients receive comprehensive, wraparound services
• Maintain and update program manuals, forms, and internal process documents
• Prepare outreach materials such as flyers, presentations, and handouts

Education & Community Engagement

• Facilitate weekly in-person and remote English as a Second Language (ESL) and multi-level citizenship preparation classes
• Conduct pre- and post-assessments of students to evaluate English proficiency and program impact
• Participate in outreach, community events, and networking activities to raise awareness of immigration services

Professional Development & Supervision

• Mentor and supervise student interns assisting with program and case activities
• Collaborate with the Program Director to assess the overall effectiveness of intake and client support services
• Attend relevant training, conferences, and continuing education opportunities to pursue DOJ partial accreditation eligibility

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in social services, legal studies, or education required
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a nonprofit, legal services, or community-based setting
• Previous legal experience (legal nonprofit, law firm, courthouse, government agency) highly preferred
• Fluent in reading, writing and speaking in Spanish and English
• Experience facilitating group classes or training is a plus
• Must be eligible for DOJ partial accreditation and obtain accreditation within the first year of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures as well as operation and use of computer hardware, software and network systems including MS Office suite, Word and Excel
• Demonstrated high quality interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• High degree of cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with families from diverse racial, socio-economic, ethnic, faith and educational backgrounds
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Regular travel to a second site in Kankakee
• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods
• May involve occasional evening or weekend work depending on client needs and events