Catholic Charities is looking for a motivated individual to serve those most in need. The ideal candidate will be a team player with a strong motivation to learn about the constantly changing immigration system. Our office will provide ongoing training and a supportive learning environment. The position serves clients from all over the Bay Area and will be based in San Francisco. Bilingual in English and Spanish is required.

About Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities is one of the largest, oldest, and most comprehensive nonprofit human services organizations in Northern California. It annually serves over 60,000 vulnerable individuals of all faiths in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin Counties. The primary mission of Catholic Charities Immigration Legal & Support Services is to help newcomers not only attain legal status and economic self-sufficiency, but also to become fully engaged participants in the social and civic life of our communities.

Qualifications

Experience directly related to the job qualifications will be considered in lieu of a degree
Excellent translation and interpretation skills
Excellent writing skills Demonstrated planning, presentation, and organizational skills
Ability to self-start on projects and to be proactive in anticipating needs of the project
Capacity to work under pressure with minimal supervision
Excellent listening, communication, facilitation, and influencing skills
Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in cross-cultural situations
Prerequisites Required Prior to the First Day of Employment: Fingerprints: Required TB Screening - Negative Tuberculosis Test: N/A First Aid Certificate: N/A COVID Vaccination: N/A HOW TO APPLY To apply, please submit: A copy of your resume; and A cover letter detailing 1) your interest in and qualifications for the legal assistant position, 2) your interest in working for Catholic Charities, and 3) if there is a particular immigration issues that interests you
Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body
The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading
If driving a car is required for the position, incumbent must have a valid California driver's license and be able to provide proof of DMV record and personal insurance (if required.)

Responsibilities

The Removal Defense Legal Assistant will provide coordination, direct assistance and follow-up to low-income clients with needs related to immigration legal benefits and/or remedies
Under the supervision of an attorney, responsibilities may include, among others, (1) scheduling appointments with clients, (2) completing forms and gathering supporting documentation for submission to US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) or State Court (family court or probate court for predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile visas (SIJS)), (3) preparing forms and motions for filing with the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR), (4) preparing written declarations in support of immigration benefits or remedies, (5) following up with clients who previously received consultations, and (6) answering client queries both telephonically and in person
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Under the supervision of a Supervising Attorney, provides a variety of legal services to clients: Prepares immigration forms to be submitted to USCIS, EOIR or State Court, and assembles application packages for final review and signature by Supervising Attorney
Interfaces with clients, including youth and their guardians, to complete orientations to the legal process, translation of documents, document collection and review
Conducts research in support of asylum or cancellation cases (i.e
Prepares detailed declarations in support of asylum claims, guardianship applications, applications for cancellation of removal or other remedies to be presented in Immigration Court
Maintains proper client files and documentary evidence required to prove eligibility for legal benefits and equities under INA
Performs data entry and record keeping in standardized legal service software
Prepares thorough and detailed notes in case management system regarding interactions and conversations with clients, status of case, documents required and all other information vital for review and audit of file
Compiles reports as requested
Attends regular mandatory staff meetings
Other duties as assigned
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time
Serves on Performance and Quality Improvement PQI Committee responsible for monitoring goals and reporting
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 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
Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time