Immigration Specialist I

About

Catholic Charities of South Carolina was founded in 1945 to provide care and services for South Carolinians in need. Catholic Charities Immigration Services was started in 2006 in response to a recognized need to help those with a right to be in the United States access the legal system. Immigration Legal Services provides low-cost, high-quality immigration legal services to those who cannot afford a private attorney. In doing so, we aim to give people hope and ensure justice in the immigration system.

This position is intended to develop into an accredited DOJ. Recognition and accreditation is the Department of Justice’s certification of charitable immigration agencies and staff, and allows non-attorney staff to practice immigration law before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the immigration courts.

Duties

• Research and analyze law sources such as statutes, legal articles, and legal codes
• Oversee the work of volunteers, including law students and pro bono attorneys.
• Oversee efforts to strengthen program policies and procedures.
• The successful candidate will prepare and submit immigration applications to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); respond to requests for evidence; maintain clients informed about their case status; ensure that clients receive and understand communications from USCIS regarding their pending applications, and prepare clients for interviews with USCIS.
• Participate in community outreach and educational activities, including planning and conducting legal clinics
• Working in, leading, or forming coalitions with other organizations and collaborating with immigrant communities
• Assist other staff in the production of internal and external reports

Requirements

• Background in pre-law, business, or criminal justice preferred.
• The ability to communicate fluently in Spanish, both spoken and in writing, is required.
• Experience with immigration issues preferred.
• Required to obtain DOJ Accreditation when class becomes available.
• Must have excellent customer service skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently as a member of a team.
• Previous success managing a caseload.
• Strong writing skills are required. Applicant should have excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, be computer proficient, and work well in a team environment.

For consideration:

Please email a resume, cover letter, and salary expectations to Human Resources at apply@charlestondiocese.org