Legal Immigration Specialist

Lutheran Services Carolinas; Columbia (SC); Remote; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An organization providing immigration assistance is seeking a Legal Immigration Specialist to work with clients needing legal support. Responsibilities include assessing client needs, preparing immigration applications, and representing clients in interviews. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential. A Bachelor's degree in a related field is required, along with experience in social services. Fully remote work option is available.

Qualifications

• Experience working with refugees/asylees/immigrants in social service.
• Experience handling general immigration cases desired.
• Ability to become a DOJ Accredited Representative.

Responsibilities

• Identify clients eligible for immigration assistance.
• Provide consultations and assess client needs.
• Prepare and represent clients in USCIS interviews.

Skills

Fluent in a second language

Strong written and oral communication

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field

Job description

Overview

The New Americans Program - Legal Immigration Specialist will work with NAP Resettlement Directors and staff to identify cases in need of immigration legal assistance. This may include current NAP clients or others eligible for assistance based on need, capacity, and income. The Legal Immigration Specialist will work with other NAP Legal Immigration Specialists to assist clients in filing immigration applications and petitions and, depending on level of accreditation, may represent clients in front of USCIS, the BIA, or U.S. immigration courts.

Position Details

• Part-time position
• Flexible hours available, but must work within Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM
• Location: LSC - Columbia Office, Columbia, SC; Fully Remote
• Salary: $24.04 per hour
• Benefits: None
• Shift: First Shift

Essential Functions

• Follow all Lutheran Services Carolinas policies and procedures.
• In close coordination with NAP Resettlement Directors, hold consultations and identify clients eligible to receive immigration assistance based on need, capacity, income, and other factors.
• Interview and screen clients, assess client needs, and advise clients on available immigration relief and immigration law.
• Research immigration law, statutory law, and case law.
• Participate in required immigration trainings necessary for obtaining and maintaining accreditation.
• Monitor changes in immigration policy and law as they affect clients.
• Prepare and represent clients in USCIS interviews and, depending on level of accreditation, immigration court appearances.
• Prepare memoranda and briefs to USCIS and AAO.
• Prepare immigration applications and petitions for clients, including applications for lawful permanent residence, asylum, family reunification, citizenship, TPS, and humanitarian parole.
• Provide informative workshops to NAP clients.
• Supplement immigration applications with appropriate supporting documentation.
• Supervise interns, volunteers, and administrative assistants as appropriate.
• Interface with other legal professionals and attend NAP meetings and briefings, as necessary.
• Document and report according to contractual requirements and in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
• Assume other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field.

Experience: Working with refugees/asylees/immigrants in a social service environment. Experience handling general immigration cases desired. Should currently be a DOJ Accredited Representative or have the ability, experience, education, and willingness to become accredited.

Specific skills/abilities: Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook). Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail. Ability to handle confidential client information and demonstrate good organizational and planning skills. Sensitive to issues facing survivors of trauma and the needs of low income and culturally diverse clients.

Specialized knowledge, licenses, etc: Fluency in an applicable second language preferred (Spanish, Dari, Pashto, Russian, Ukrainian). Knowledge of immigration law.