Immigration Legal Representative - Bilingual

The Office of Immigrant Services (OIS) is a DOJ-recognized program that provides immigration legal services to immigrants and refugees in the East Tennessee. This program offers legal assistance with family reunification, adjustment of status for refugees and asylees, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewals, and humanitarian services under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and more.

The Legal Representative is responsible for planning, organizing, controlling and promoting the Knoxville program. The Program Coordinator represents clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), prepares applications and petitions for submission to the appropriate agency, and participates in community outreach and educational activities, as needed. This position reports to the Program Leader and has no supervisory responsibilities.

Job Responsibilities:

• Screen and complete intakes for individuals and families determining eligibility for program services; provide necessary referrals
• Assess individuals and families in a comprehensive, individualized, strengths-based and culturally responsive manner
• Prepare applications to be submitted to USCIS
• Work and communicate with the community partners regarding resources and client's needs
• Maintain case files/progress notes; prepare other paperwork as required.
• Plan the delivery of the overall program and its activities in accordance with the mission and the goals of the organization
• Develop an annual budget and operating plan to support the program
• Recommend funding proposals for the program to ensure the continuous delivery of services
• Ensure that program activities operate within the policies and procedures of the organization
• Ensure that program activities comply with all relevant legislation and professional standards
• Develop forms and records to document program activities
• Oversee the collection and maintenance of records on the clients of the program for statistical purposes according to the confidentiality/privacy policy of the organization
• Provide a safe environment for staff, clients, and volunteers and report any safety concerns to the Program Leader
• Attend departmental meetings to maintain effective communication

Job Requirements:

• Must be able to move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Must hold a valid driver license and provide proof of auto insurance coverage
• Must be willing to travel if required
• Must be flexible and able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays if required
• Must be able to successfully pass a background check
• Must maintain any training and certification requirements
• Must support the teachings of the Catholic Church and embody our organization's mission and culture through behavior and daily interactions
• Regular and predictable on-site attendance is required

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree preferred
• DOJ Certification or the ability to submit application for DOJ accreditation within 6 months of hire
• Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights
• Prior experience managing high-volume case load preferred
• Bilingual Spanish and English, spoken and written is required
• Sensitive to clients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
• Excellent written, analytical, oral, organizational, and time management skills
• A demonstrated commitment to public interest work, immigrant rights, social justice issues
• The ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally-competent legal assistance
• Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills
• Team player; the ability to work collaboratively with different program staff and partner organizations to further develop community relationships and facilitate holistic and wrap-around services
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Strong ability to think and act independently
• Experience with MicroSoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Pay Rate: $18.00 per hour with increase upon DOJ Accreditation

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package offered

Schedule: Monday - Friday; 35-hour work week

To Apply:

Submit resume to [email protected] Please indicate "Legal Representative" in subject line.