Migration Counselor

Summary  

  

The Migration Counselor will join Catholic Charities Community Services (CCCS) as part of the Immigration Court Helpdesk - Family Group Legal Orientation Program, which will provide unrepresented respondents in New York City Immigration Courts with free group information sessions, individual information sessions, application assistance self-help workshops, pro bono referrals and Friend of the Court services. The Migration Counselor will also provide immigration services under attorney supervision, including consultations, application preparation, document translation, application assistance, affidavit writing, and necessary follow-up services. We will support selected individuals in preparing to seek Department of Justice Accreditation. The Migration Counselor will also prepare and deliver presentations on various immigration issues to respondents in removal proceedings.    

    

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Under the supervision of an attorney, participate in regular screening and self-help workshop events at the three New York Immigration Courts, the main CCCS office, and remotely.
• Under the supervision of an attorney, provide Friend of the Court services to unrepresented family group respondents during Master Calendar Hearings and observe government activity during hearings as appropriate.
• Under the supervision of an attorney, pre-screen for eligibility for immigration relief and benefits.
• Under the supervision of an attorney, prepare, review, complete, submit, and follow-up on applications and motions in complex types of immigration matters, including but not limited to asylum, special immigrant. juvenile status, adjustment of status applications, employment authorization applications, and other forms of relief.
• Research law and investigate facts to determine possible course of legal action and to prepare cases accordingly.
• Assist clients to obtain the documents necessary to apply for relief, fill out appropriate forms, and follow up with clients via phone, mail, message, and email.
• Prepare and make referrals to other legal service providers for cases identified through individual information sessions and follow up with referral partners to track status of case acceptance.
• Provide referrals for wraparound services, including health/mental health, education, housing, and others.
• Create and maintain physical and electronic files, including managing correspondence with clients and documenting correspondence with immigration and other agencies.
•  Manage data entry in internal (LLX) and external data management systems and assist with generating reports.
•  Prepare for and conduct presentations, workshops and outreach events on various immigration issues.
• Maintain and report statistical data as required.
• Assist with the training of new staff.   

  

    

Qualifications  

Education and/or experience required:  

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent professional training related to the position.
• Bilingual: English plus a 2nd language  

  

   

Pay: Compensation for this role is $30.22 - $32.97 per hour based on a 35-hour work week (55,000.40 - 60,005.40 per year).