Immigration Counselor

OBJECTIVE AND POSITION SUMMARY

CPLC Immigration is a recognized agency that provides immigration services; including naturalization, deferred action for childhood arrivals, and family-based immigration petitions services. The Accredited Immigration Counselor in the Family Immigration Program provides legal services to low-income clients with needs related to immigration legal benefits. The services include, among others, the following: (a) giving general consultation both a collective and on individual basis, (b) completing forms instituted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on behalf of clients, (c) networking with other community-based legal service providers in the area and State in advocacy efforts and policy changes, and administrative duties in the program, including data entry, client intakes, fee reconciliation, and answering phones.

SPECIALIZATIONS

• Case management
• Communication
• Organization

PRIMARY DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Under the supervision of the Program Manager, provides a variety of direct services to clients, either in individual or group settings.
• Performs the intake and assessment of the needs of the clients.
• Determine if client is eligible for any immigration benefits.
• Prepares applications and if needed mails the petition, accordingly to the United States Dept. of Homeland Security. Until he or she receives accreditation, prepares computerized immigration forms for clients as appropriate in each case under supervision of an accredited representative or attorney.
• Maintains proper client files and documentary evidence required to prove eligibility for legal benefits and equities under INA and applicable laws and regulations.
• Determines the fees for services to be charged to each individual client in consultation with Program Manager taking into account both the complexity of the services that is being provided and the established fee schedule.
• When deemed necessary Accredited Immigration Counselor will be represent clients as an Accredited Representative during USCIS interviews and case management.
• Follow the guidelines and procedures as indicated in the DHS Form G28.
• Counselor will be main point of contact between client and USCIS, DEPT OF STATE and AMERICAN CONSULATES.
• Providing information and referral services on non-immigration matters.
• Imparts presentations on immigration legal benefits and facilitates workshops organized by CPLC, other organizations and/or Mexican Consulate.
• Follow-up on case management to ensure service delivery.
• Prepares monthly reports outlining activities and statistics.
• Complies reports as requested. Networks with other community based legal service and non-legal service provider in the local area, in the State and National groups.
• Administrative Duties in the program, including data entry, client intakes, fee reconciliation and answering phones.
• Attends trainings as instructed by the Program Manager.
• Provides accurate information/referrals to clients with other needs that could be met by our Agency or by other community organizations.

• Possess an Arizona Driver's license, vehicle insurance and availability to be covered under CPLC policy.
• Know applicable state and federal laws and regulations regarding immigration.
• Communicate effectively in written and oral form; develop/maintain effective working relationships.
• Capacity to work under pressure with minimal supervision.
• Excellent organization skills; detail oriented.
• Computer proficiency (Immigration Software preferred, Word, PowerPoint, E-mail, Internet).
• Flexible with schedule, able to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Must be able to travel to different locations throughout the state of Arizona and Out of State.

• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Education /Background :

• Bachelor Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2-3 years experience as an Immigration Counselor, or any equivalent combinations of education, experience, and training which indicated ability to perform job duties.
• Bilingual Spanish and English required.
• Accreditation by the Dept. of Justice within 9 months of hire is required.
• Knowledge of Immigration policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Possess an Arizona Driver's license, vehicle insurance and availability to be covered under CPLC policy.

Other requirements :

Must possess excellent technical skills including Microsoft suite. Must be able to meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks and responsibilities. Must be detail-oriented and organized. Must be able to utilize technology to track results. Able to travel in and out of state as needed. Must have reliable transportation for travel to and from events.

Effective January 3, 2022, all CPLC Employees and all Service Providers, are required to be Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19. Newly hired employees, who are not Fully Vaccinated at the time of hire, are expected to begin a vaccination series immediately upon hire. CPLC recognizes medical and religious exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement, in accordance with applicable law and upon approval by CPLC. However, any person approved for an exemption, without exception, is subject to masking, weekly COVID-19 testing at their expense, and other requirements established by CPLC from time to time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requirements: This position is both a mobile and a sedentary position with periods of light physical activity, and is performed mostly in office surroundings. Positions typical in nature require regular walking or standing; sitting, lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds; climbing stairs, bending, reaching, holding, grasping and turning objects; and using fingers to operate computer keyboards. This position will require the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing.

Travel: Local, interstate and intrastate travel to Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., its affiliates and/or subsidiaries, will be necessary to successfully fulfill the duties of this position. Candidate must have and maintain a valid driver's license and auto insurance. Technology will be utilized to minimize travel whenever feasible. The travel requirements for this position are anticipated to be 25 to 35 percent assignment depending. Overnight travel must be approved in advance by the Department VP.

Continuous Learning: All certifications related to the position at hire, or obtained while employed by CPLC, must be maintained. Candidate will be expected to participate in continuous learning opportunities to maintain competency and enhance skillset. Learning opportunities must be approved by Department VP.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended or is implied to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. All employees are accountable for understanding and complying with all corporate policies and procedures as well as any program specific policies and procedures. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

This job description is subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. Employee signature below indicates the employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position.

EMPOWERING LIVES THROUGH CONTINUOUS LEARNING

Continuous Learning: All certifications related to the position at hire, or obtained while employed by CPLC, must be maintained. Candidate will be expected to participate in continuous learning opportunities to maintain competency and enhance skillset. Learning opportunities must be approved by supervisor.

CPLC Mission, Vison and Values in Action: Our mission and purpose is to drive economic and political empowerment. We cannot achieve our vision of "Empowered Lives" without the full engaged participation of each employee. Each CPLC employee is expected to adhere not only to the CPLC Code of Conduct when acting on behalf of CPLC, but each employee is also expected to contribute to promoting and demonstrating CPLC's Values in Action in their interactions with clients, other CPLC employees, CPLC stakeholders, and at any and all times representing CPLC.

CPLC Values in Action

I deliver on my commitments.

I bring innovative solutions and adapt to address challenges.

I advance and own my professional and personal growth.

I engage passionately and fully in advocating for, and responding to, the needs of our community.

I demonstrate respect with honest and transparent communication.

I protect CPLC resources as if they are my own.