Legal Immigration Caseworker

at  Mennonite Central Committee

QUALIFICATIONS

Organizational values and culture: All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active church membership; and nonviolent peacemaking. MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.
Employment eligibility: Legally eligible to work in the U.S. MCC offers of employment are subject to a successful criminal background check(s).

Essential:

• Bachelors degree
• 1-3 years relevant experience in Immigration legal experience
• Over three years- up to five years preferred, In the absence of a bachelor’s degree, 3-5 years of equivalent work experience is preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of current immigration issues and filing processes.
• Passionate concern for undocumented immigrants and marginalized people
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential documents with discretion.
• Professional office appearance and demeanor.
• Fluent in verbal and written English and Spanish Clear oral and written communication skills.
• Ongoing willingness to learn, interpret and remain current in immigration laws and procedures
• Ability to recognize and properly maintain confidential data and information.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, multi-task and appropriately prioritize assignments.
• Solid organizational and administrative skills, close attention to detail.
• Cross-cultural skills and the ability to relate comfortably and effectively in a variety of constituent settings.
• Prior experience working in a team environment with limited supervision. Computer and Internet literate, knowledge of Immigration Tracker or other immigration database desirable.
• Willingness to go through BIA accreditation process, which could include a background check. Available to travel for training sessions and meetings approximately four times per year.

Preferred:

• Previous DOJ accreditation,
• Experience working with immigration internet-based programs.

Anti-oppression commitment: MCC expects all staff to actively participate in an organization culture that focuses on dismantling any barriers based on race, economic inequality or gender-based oppression. This includes an expectation to assess and address any barriers within themselves, within their team(s), and within MCC.
Safeguarding commitment: All MCC Staff are expected to work collaboratively to create and maintain an organizational culture that prevents and responds to situations of abuse of power

LOCATION DESCRIPTION

The position will be based in Reedley, CA with possible travel to Shafter/Bakersfield two days/month (travel time as part of paid workday).
There is a potential of opening an office in Shafter, CA after a process of accreditation of the case worker. The timeline for opening the new office is 1.5 years.

Specific Tasks and Duties:

• Immigration Documentation 90%
• Community Partners and Education 10%

Specific tasks and duties:

• Assesses immigration needs of clients and determines eligibility for available immigration programs and department services.
• Informs clients about the requirements related to applying for various immigration statuses.
• Assists clients with applications for these immigration-related benefits.
• Accurately prepare appropriate immigration forms and supporting documents, creation and maintenance of files, creation and updating of electronic and manual case.
• Translates documents, including legal declarations, affidavits of support, birth certificates, marriage certificates and other legally binding materials.
• Maintains accurate, complete and confidential case files.
• Submits program reports in a timely manner.
• Conducts follow-up as indicated.
• Complies with all policies, procedures, and protocols established for the program.
• Conducts education/advocacy activities as assigned or approved by the program coordinator.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key partners on a monthly basis.
• Collaborate in community partnerships, such as the Victim Service Collaborative and the Reedley Police Department Victim Service Unit for shared outcomes.
• Represent Mennonite Central Committee at community functions, as well as other events as requested.
• Give presentations on immigration issues as requested, including basic pathways to citizenship, benefits eligibility, understanding individual rights, and other topics.
• Work with communications staff to develop informational materials to publicize services.
• Be able to articulate the larger MCC story within the constituency.
• Other duties as assigned on a temporary basis.

Supervision: No direct supervision.
Travel expectations: Up to 25% less than 30 nights away per year.

Physical Activity/Demands:

• Occasionally ascending or descending stairs/ladders or the like.
• Constantly remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• Constantly moving about to accomplish tasks or move from one worksite to another.
• Occasionally light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.
• Occasionally repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Occasionally operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Constantly assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work assigned.

Environment Conditions – exposed to:

• Occasionally low temperatures.
• Occasionally high temperatures
• Occasionally outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
• Occasionally noisy environments.