IV DOJ Accredited Representative II

POSITION TITLE:         IV DOJ Accredited Representative II

DEPARTMENT:             Refugee and Immigrant Services (San Diego & El Centro Offices)

REPORTS TO:               Managing Attorney

FLSA STATUS:             Non-Exempt

TIME COMMITMENT:  Full Time, some weekends and evenings to support the program needs.

SALARY:                      $27-29.00/HR

To apply for this position you need to complete this Application

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The IV DOJ Accredited Representative supports the Managing Attorney in the operation of Immigration Services in Imperial Valley. This position will provide robust direct legal representation to low-income immigrant individuals and families in Imperial County in affirmative immigration matters. This position requires travel to El Centro on a bi-monthly basis with use of agency vehicle.

AGENCY CULTURE: 

The business and social environment in which our Agency operates is continuously changing. To thrive, we much incorporate new ways of thinking and embrace new practices. As part of this cultural change process, it is critical that all employees of Catholic Charities aspire to the following:

A commitment to the agency’s mission, vision, and values (“We Do the Right Thing”)

A commitment to excellence in everything we do (“We Do Things Right”)

A commitment to achieving desired outcomes and measured results (Everything Matters”)

A commitment to innovation and to what is possible (“Creativity and Generativity”)

ESSENTIAL FUCTIONS:

• Provides 200 legal services to Imperial Valley residents by March 31st
• Conducts legal consultations and determine eligibility for immigration benefits both virtually and in person with the El Centro office.
• Prepares and file cases with USCIS seeking to maintain and/or obtain lawful status in the USA.  
• Provides legal opinion as to acceptance of new cases/clients for legal services.
• Prepares and submits applications, legal briefs, and supporting documentation as needed in affirmative USCIS processes.
• Works in partnership with Managing Attorney to develop and recommend case strategy.
• Assists IS team as needed and practicable for supporting IS caseload in Imperial County.
• Attends trainings and courses to remain updated on immigration law and policy, including additional trainings on AOS and complex waivers as needed.
• Participates in workshops for the public and collaborative partners on immigration law and understanding individual rights.
• Works with the Managing Attorney and/or Program Support Manager on projects as needed.
• Assists department administration in the development and expansion of its Immigration services and resources.
• Supports Managing Attorney as program lead for volunteer attorneys and legal interns.
• Assists Managing Attorney, in the administration of attorney programming.
  • Submits program reports and statistics in a timely manner.
• Assist the Managing Attorney to carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the agency’s policies and applicable laws.
• Help train new hires.
• Additional responsibilities may include: planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Respond to and attend meetings, briefings, CBO meetings, and related professional activities, which will assist the Agency in maintaining high standards and an exemplary reputation in the immigration field.
• Travel as needed and directed to any of the Agency sites, to detention facilities or courts as required.
• Lead Education and Outreach efforts such as Know Your Right presentations and N-400 workshops.
• Collect, receipt and transmit, according to agency policies, any fees for services rendered.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate Degree or Higher
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in the immigration field as a fully accredited DOJ
• Spanish speaking required, as our clients are predominantly Spanish speaking in Imperial Valley.
• 1-3 years’ experience in providing services to low-income, underserved communities.
• Ability to counsel clients regarding immigration law, procedures, forms, and eligibility.
• Ability to represent clients before USCIS.
• Ability to provide training to staff regarding immigration law, procedures, forms, eligibility
• Must possess strong legal research and writing skills.
• Familiarity of local DHS and USCIS filed offices and procedures preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid California Drivers License and automobile insurance in compliance with Agency requirements.
• Successful completion of a background check
• TB Screening

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to walk and climb or balance.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Must be able to travel to various locations to support the needs of the program. Must be able to drive to and work from Imperial Valley Offices on a bi-monthly basis.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego is a diverse, all-inclusive service organization and employer. We do not discriminate against any candidates on the basis of: race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, gender and/or gender reassignment status, age, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and/or maternity, marriage and/or civil union status, or any other legally protected characteristics.