CBU Status: Union

Erie Neighborhood House, a social service agency serving the Chicago metropolitan area and dedicated to promoting a just and inclusive society, is seeking a FULL-TIME LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE. Reporting to the Legal Services Director, the Legal Representative’s BASIC FUNCTION is to provide immigration counseling and legal representation to individuals seeking an immigration benefit within Erie Neighborhood House’s Legal Services Department.  

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

LEGAL SERVICES AND SUPPORT

• Assess individuals’ eligibility for immigration benefits at walk-in consultations at ENH and partner sites;
• Assist individuals with the completion of the appropriate applications, namely citizenship and naturalization, DACA, family petitions, consular processing, adjustment of status, U-visa, and VAWA, with the potential of taking asylum and removal defense cases;
• Explain relevant policies and case procedure to individuals;
• Provide legal oversight at workshops when applicable;
• Train non-legal and/or legal workshop volunteers to complete applications when necessary;
• Perform factual and legal research and regularly monitor developments in immigration law and procedure;
• Advocate for clients before USCIS and potentially before EOIR.

CASE MANAGEMENT  

• Assist in case management of immigration applicants including but not limited to: maintaining client files, drafting cover letters, preparing application packets, reviewing case files;

• Follow up on pending case work and maintain communication with clients via phone, email, or mail regarding missing documentation necessary for submission of application;

• Assist in case management of immigration applicants at workshops and during office hours;

• Respond to all phone calls and email inquiries on immigration issues in a timely manner.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT  

• Represent department at meetings, conferences, and/or legislative visits when necessary;

• Provide workshop preparation prior to workshops and logistical support during citizenship and/or DACA workshops, when applicable;

• Collaborate with other organizations and Erie partners on civic engagement and advocacy activities, i.e. trips to Springfield, rallies, press conferences, etc.;

• Participate in on-going immigration trainings and other professional development;

• Other duties as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS  

• Bachelor’s Degree or J.D. required;

• Written and oral fluency in English/Spanish required;

• At least 2 years’ experience working in immigration legal services and/or previous Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited representative status at a non-profit organization;

• Immigration court experience preferred;

• Excellent organizational, oral, and written skills;

• Ability to prioritize and juggle multiple projects simultaneously and independently, often under pressure and in a fast-paced environment;

• Previous legal research experience preferred;

• Solution-oriented mindset, with a willingness to take initiative while juggling several priorities;

• Strong proofreading and detail-oriented research and writing skills;

• Desire and ability to work independently, but also to perform in a team environment;

• Ability to maintain confidentiality;

• Ability to stay organized, manage a high volume workload, and work under strict deadlines;

• Sensitivity to the needs and legal issues affecting people of diverse backgrounds;

• Excellent professional judgment and interpersonal skills;

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and case management software preferred;

• Access to transportation and ability to work Saturdays required;

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and sensitivity to challenges of the immigrant community.

SALARY RANGE: $50,000-$55,000; 40 HOURS/WEEK

NO TELEPHONE CALLS PLEASE! MUST BE A MEMBER OF AFSCME OR JOIN AFTER 30 DAYS

ERIE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

ACCREDITED BY NAEYC & NATIONAL AFTER SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

RECOGNIZED BY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE; UNITED WAY MEMBER