DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN
Catholic Charities, Allentown
Position Description
Job Title: Immigration Attorney
Department: Immigration Legal Services
FLSA: Exempt/Full-Time
Reports to: Executive Director
Job Function: An Immigration Attorney assesses immigrants' eligibility for and filing of applications and petitions leading to status adjustments, family reunification and citizenship. Bilingual (Spanish) fluency is strongly preferred for this position.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct respectful, polite and courteous intake and evaluation of immigration assistance requests.
- Evaluate and process inquiries for immigration assistance in a timely manner in accordance with Catholic Charities policy and grant requirements.
- Provide legal consultations and direct representation in immigration matters, including the representation of clients before USCIS.
- Maintain written client records in accordance with Catholic Charities policy and grant requirements.
- Develop and implement service plans in a strengths-based, trauma-informed framework.
- Prepare written weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual reports in accordance with Catholic Charities policy and grant requirements.
- Maintain current familiarity and knowledge of applicable USCIS policy and procedures by regular review of updates, periodicals and bulletins.
- Where appropriate, provide information and referral to additional internal and external support resources, including employment referrals.
- Maintain knowledge of current community social needs and applicable government regulations.
- Represent Catholic Charities on relevant community-based committees or task forces as assigned.
- When appropriate, speak at public functions anywhere in the Diocese of Allentown as assigned.
- Supervise interns/students, as assigned.
- Must work effectively with other team members on shared projects, conferences, community development, grants, etc.
- Other duties as assigned.
Additional Conditions of Employment:
Due to the nature and mission of the Catholic Church, all employees are bound to exhibit respect for the teachings and discipline of the Church regarding matters of faith and morals, including maintaining a lifestyle that is in conformity with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Minimum Educational Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Admission to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or the ability to obtain bar admission within one year of employment with Catholic Charities.
- Minimum of two years of experience in immigration law, evaluating and processing applications/petitions for status adjustments, family reunification and citizenship required.
Other Qualifications:
- Must be willing to work within the guidelines of the Catholic Charities' mission and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Proficiency in oral and written English and Spanish languages.
- Very strong customer service skills, including the ability to meet with and/or phone clients, explain their status and request missing documents.
- Well-developed computer skills, including ability to easily use Outlook, Word, Excel and ability to learn grant-specific web-based applications, including case management applications.
- Must enjoy working in a very fast-paced environment, with the ability to work as part of a team and to set and adjust priorities.
Required Clearances and Trainings:
- Prior to start date, all Safe Environment Clearances must be received and reviewed, including FBI fingerprint, Pennsylvania State Police and Pennsylvania Department of Health and Human Services clearances. All clearances must be renewed in accordance with Diocese of Allentown and/or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for duration of employment.
- Prior to start date, completion of Mandated Reporter Training (MRT) and every 5 years thereafter or when required by agency, Diocese of Allentown, and/or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- Clear PA motor vehicle record, valid PA Driver's License and proof of adequate insurance.
- Completion of Protecting God's Children Training (PGC) prior to start date, as well as any recertification, for the duration of employment.
- Any additional requirements implemented by the Diocese of Allentown, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or specific grantors, for the duration of employment.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements.
Physical demands
- Notwithstanding applicable ADA accommodations, while performing the duties of this job, employee is regularly required to: sit; walk and stand; speak or hear, both in person and by telephone. Use of hands to operate standard office equipment; with occasional reaching and lifting up to ten pounds is required.
- Employee is required to drive safely to other Catholic Charities or Diocese of Allentown locations.
Working Conditions
- Primarily office setting. Some community-based settings.
- Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 4:00pm.
- Willing/able to drive anywhere within the 5 counties of the Diocese of Allentown and on occasion outside of the Diocese of Allentown.
- Must be willing/able to travel to conferences, trainings, etc., when required by supervisor or program.
- Must demonstrate respect and professionalism toward all clients in all interactions.
- May be required to work evenings to accommodate agency functions and/ or clients' scheduling needs as appropriate.
Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume via iSolved or to the following:
Diocese of Allentown
Attn: Catholic Charities- Immigration Attorney
P.O. Box F
Allentown, PA 18105-1538
aneagle@aalletowndiocese.org
FAX: 610-439-7693
No phone calls please.
EOE M/F/D/V
