Immigration Legal Assistant
Catholic Charities of Omaha - Omaha
Nonprofit
Full-Time
Location
Name of Facility: Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of OmahaAddress
5211 S 31st Street
Omaha, Nebraska
68107
Submitted By
Name: Aaron DavisEmail: aarond@ccomaha.org
Description
Department: Immigration Legal ServicesReports to: Immigration Legal Services Program Manager
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Immigration Case Support: Provide Life-Changing Support for ImmigrantsInput information into the case management system to track program clients and prepare USCIS forms.
Type cover letters and prepare application packets for review by the Immigration Specialist.
Review forms and completed applications with clients.
Work with clients to complete declarations and affidavits.
File applications, motions, and documents with Omaha immigration court including service on DHS counsel.
Translate client documents and declarations.
Maintain all case records and documentation mandated by CC-ILS policies and procedures.
Prepare clients for interviews with DHS.
Administrative Support: Help CC-ILS Work Effectively & Efficiently
Serve as the first point of contact when the CC-ILS receptionist is unavailable. This includes – but is not limited to – answering phone calls, checking voicemails, attending walk-in clients, tracking and filing incoming mail, preparing and sending outgoing mail, closing client files.
Collect and copy client documents for inclusion in applications.
Prepare packets for the CC-ILS Accredited Representative to use during interviews at DHS or Immigration Court hearings and ensure that proper representation has been entered.
Review case reminders or diary dates to ensure cases are processing normally; flag those that are not.
Take passport photos and complete passport applications.
Performs other related duties as assigned by management.
Requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesLegal Document Preparation: An immigration legal assistant must be proficient in preparing, reviewing, and filing various immigration forms and legal documents, such as petitions, affidavits, and applications. Accuracy is critical to avoid delays or rejections.
Relationship-building: Serving as the first point of contact, an immigration legal assistant needs excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with clients, explaining complex legal processes in an understandable manner. They must also provide emotional support and reassurance, as immigration matters can be highly stressful for clients.
Expertise in Immigration Law: Immigration legal assistants often conduct research on immigration laws, regulations, and policies. They must be able to analyze and interpret this information to assist the team in building strong cases and advising clients accurately.
Team Collaborator: Working closely with your department of ILS is a key part of the role. A legal assistant must be a team player, able to collaborate effectively and contribute to the overall success of the legal team.
Language Proficiency: In many cases, immigration legal assistants work with clients who may have limited English proficiency. Being bilingual or multilingual is a valuable asset that can greatly enhance communication and client trust.
Education and Experience
Must be bilingual and proficient in English and Spanish