Legal Representative

Chicago

Job Description Job Description Description: Erie Neighborhood House has provided the most comprehensive support immigrant and low-income families in Chicago need to thrive and has constantly evolved to meet their needs. Today, Erie House is a modern social services nonprofit with programming and resources for children and youth, mental health and community wellness, adult education and training, legal services, and more. Through these programs, we empower the people we work alongside to build powerful communities.

The full-time Legal Representative will be a position in partnership with the Legal Services Department, directly impacting the immigrant community within the Chicagoland area and beyond. Reporting to the Supervising Legal Representative, the Legal Representative’s basic function is to provide direct representation and advocacy for individuals seeking immigration benefits.

In return to your commitment to Erie House and its mission to the community, you will enjoy excellent professional development opportunities, opportunity for growth, and have direct impact in building powerful communities. Be a part of one of the oldest and most respected Settlement House in the Chicago Land Area.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Legal Services and Support

Provide expert consultation, supervision of legal screenings, and representation to clients and potential clients including case preparation and follow-up;

Perform factual and legal research and regularly monitor developments in immigration law and procedure;

Actively participate in legal case review and other meetings needed to effectively provide excellent quality service to all clients;

Explain relevant policies and case procedure to individuals;

Provide legal oversight at workshops and supervise in-office volunteers when applicable;

When needed, conduct community presentations and trainings during nontraditional business hours.

Case Management

Handle a caseload before USCIS, EOIR, the BIA, and other government agencies that includes petitions for family relatives, U-visas, VAWA, TPS, asylum, removal defense for detained and non-detained clients, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and naturalization

Provide case management for immigration matters, including but not limited to preparing applications, maintaining client files and case records, drafting cover letters, client affidavits, and legal memoranda, providing translation and interpretation, reviewing case files, support with asylum and removal defense cases, and representing clients at interviews;

Ensure data is accurately entered and updated in case management system as required by internal policies and grant requirements;

Make appropriate referrals as necessary for immigration legal services beyond the scope of the program;

Attend and participate in required educational programs and staff meetings;

Follow up on pending case work and maintain communication with clients via phone, email, or mail regarding missing documentation necessary for submission of application.

Administrative Support

Represent department at meetings, conferences, and/or legislative visits when necessary;

Assist in case management of immigration applicants at workshops and during office hours;

Respond to all phone calls and email inquiries on immigration issues in a timely manner;

Participate in on-going immigration trainings and other professional development;

Maintain required DOJ accreditation status and core professional competencies;

Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree or foreign degree equivalence required;

Written and oral fluency in English/Spanish required;

At least 2 years’ experience working in immigration legal services and/or previous Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited representative status at a non-profit organization;

Must apply for partial DOJ accreditation within six (6) months of hire and full DOJ accreditation within two (2) years;

Excellent organizational, oral, and written skills;

Solution-oriented mindset, with a willingness to take initiative while juggling several priorities;

Strong proofreading and detail-oriented research and writing skills;

Ability to prioritize and juggle multiple projects simultaneously and independently, often under pressure and in a fast-paced environment;

Desire and ability to work independently, but also to perform in a team environment;

Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with legal ethical and professional rules of conduct;

Ability to stay organized, manage a high-volume workload, and work under strict deadlines;

Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively with people of diverse social, faith, economic and racial/ethnic backgrounds;

Excellent professional judgment and interpersonal skills; ability to comfortably exercise calculated risks;

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and case management software;

Ability to work a hybrid schedule of at least two (2) days on site per week;

Access to reliable transportation. Travel will be expected between various sites within Chicago city limits;

Ability and willingness to work flexible hours as needed, including occasional Saturday workshops;

Demonstrated commitment to social justice and sensitivity to challenges of the immigrant community.

TEAM MEMBER BENEFITS

Compensation of $53,000 - $55,000 salary based on experience

Work / life integration Generous paid time off

(examples below for full-time employment)

12 accrued sick days per year

3 personal days

Paid birthday off

8 paid holidays, including Juneteenth

In addition to above paid holidays, paid week off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day

Vacation Year 1 = 8 days

Year 2 = 13 days

Year 3 + = 20 days

Access to alternative and flexible work schedules and personal leave, where possible

Two-weeks fully paid Parental Leave, for eligible employees

Time off for school conferences and activities as well as bereavement leave

Professional Development Employer-sponsored learning and development programs

Paid day off annually for personal professional development

Tuition Assistance & Debt Relief Program, as budget allows

DEI Council-sponsored education and engagement series

Wellness support Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance

Employer-paid life insurance

Voluntary life and AD&D and short and long-term disability

Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, vision and dependent care

403b with employer match

Employee Assistance Program

Yoga, Zumba and Book Club, when onsite

Union/Exempt

Erie Neighborhood House is dedicated to creating a workforce that promotes and supports diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals without discrimination. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact us at [email protected].

NO TELEPHONE CALLS PLEASE!

MUST BE A MEMBER OF AFSCME OR JOIN AFTER 30 DAYS

ERIE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

ACCREDITED BY NAEYC & NATIONAL AFTER SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

RECOGNIZED BY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE;

UNITED WAY MEMBER