Immigration Counselor

Description About CCC: Since 1923, Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC) has provided life-changing human services to vulnerable individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. CCC offers quality and compassionate human services to all people, especially the most vulnerable, regardless of faith. We are passionate about the work we do in our communities, providing 31 critical services at 7 locations throughout Virginia. CCC provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information (including family medical history) in all aspects of employment including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and benefits, except where there is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the agency. Commonwealth Catholic Charities is a drug-free and smoke-free workplace. Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a drug screening and background check. SUMMARY: This position is responsible for advising and assisting clients in all aspects of immigration law. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Advises clients concerning their immigration status and available assistance. Prepares immigration applications and secures required back up documentation. Stays abreast of changes in immigration law and related procedures. Relates with appropriate immigration offices and outside agencies. Conducts migrants targeted outreach and advocacy related activities including presentations, information sessions and workshops Explains client fees and rules of engagement, executes retainer agreements. Maintains open lines of communications with offices of local senators and representatives. Develops strategies to accommodate special immigration short term programs. Maintains appropriate files on clients. Records number of clients, kinds of cases, and difficulties encountered for required reporting. Markets special immigrant benefits and services as needed. Consults with supervisor on caseload balance, expenses, and program concerns. Directs clients for fee collection and tracks income/balances of those with payment plans Represents the Agency in the community and workplace in a professional and ethical manner. Demonstrates sensitivity to the service population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics. Demonstrates strong interpersonal, decision-making, problem-solving, oral, and written skills. Utilizes a basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Qualifications EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma or equivalent required with three years of related experience. Must be eligible to apply for DOJ Partial Accreditation within six (6) months of hire. DIRECT REPORTS: None