Legal Services Program Coordinator
Church World Service, Inc.

Job Info

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About CWS

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.

Purpose

The Legal Services Program Coordinator assists the Associate Director in administering fee-based legal programming for the Lancaster office by providing legal counseling and representation, and by overseeing the legal counselors and other staff in the area. The incumbent manages and completes cases, from start to finish, for an immigration caseload with a variety of family-based and humanitarian immigration dynamics, maintains documentation of services provided to clients, compiles and reviews case files, provides follow up on the status of applications filed on behalf of clients, and represents clients before USCIS and the Immigration Courts.

Responsibilities

• Supervises staff, interns, and volunteers for the Legal Services Program.
• Provides training for new staff in the Legal Services Program on case management software, internal systems, and overview of immigration law.
• Responsible for managing the collection of all fees and submittal to the CWS accounting office.
• Represents clients in immigration matters before USCIS and negotiates with key stakeholders on behalf of clients. Accompanies applicants to immigration interviews and hearings as deemed necessary in consultation with the Program Coordinator
• Provides legal advice and representation to clients on family-based and humanitarian-based immigration matters.
• Accurately completes and files applications on behalf of clients for refugee/asylee family reunification, affirmative asylum claims, work authorization documents, family petitions, permanent residency, consular processing, VAWA petitions, T and U visas, and other legal immigration matters.
• Maintains accurate, complete and confidential files of own casework, including case notes.
• Conducts individual or group information sessions, including outreach, per program directives
• Assists the Immigration Program Coordinator and Lancaster Director in preparing reports and compiling data as requested.
• Keeps the Program Coordinator informed of complaints, issues and/or problems for timely investigation and resolution
• Works closely with the Program Coordinator to keep informed about immigrant issues and conducts legal research to support filed immigration applications.
• Attends local and national training to obtain/maintain accreditation with the Board of Immigration Appeals.
• Represents the program at meetings and speaking engagements relevant to the responsibilities of the position.
• Undertakes other duties as assigned.
• Works varied hours, including some night and weekend work for group application workshops.
  
  Competencies:
  
  Communication
  
  • Able to communicate thoroughly and with self-confidence a broad range of information relating to program or department.
  • Communicate detailed and/or technical information clearly, in writing and orally.
  • Speak publicly with defined constituencies regarding specific assigned topics.
  • Anticipate constituent needs and interests and take proactive steps to respond to them.
  • Promote "transparency of information" by sharing relevant information with staff and other stakeholders.
  
  Constituent Relations
  
  • Manage relationships with stakeholders and work within their structure to identify programmatic linkages, plan and implement services and coordinate activities.
  • Identify potential constituents with whom to build relationships and flesh out details of those relationships within the context of CWS's mission and values.
  • Coordinate specific program activities with counterparts and include them in planning
  • Resolve issues of concern to maintain effective stakeholder relationships.
  
  Job Knowledge
  
  • Understand the mission and values of CWS and faith-based organizations and how they apply to their work and relationships with others.
  • Understand the work performed and how it supports CWS in achieving its goals.
  • Understand how to work multiculturally with sensitivity and integrity.
  • Knows a broad range of information regarding specific program or department and use that knowledge to perform effectively and independently.
  • Applies a depth of knowledge within area of responsibility to implement assigned activities.
  • Uses technology in varied, creative ways to support individual and program performance.
  • Identify learning opportunities for self and others and take/ recommend action.
  • Interpret CWS's policies and procedures for staff and stakeholders, keeping the "human" side in sight.
  • Understand general business practices that support individual and program performance.
  
  Leadership
  
  • Take responsibility for performance of own job duties.
  • Model behaviors that are consonant with the mission and values of CWS in work activities and relationships.
  • Demonstrate sound judgment in performing all duties.
  • Recognize and use individual strengths to enhance work performance.
  • Recognize areas of weakness and seek assistance to improve performance.
  • Take initiative within area of responsibility.
  • Respect the skills, needs and schedules of others in performing assigned duties and responding to others.
  • Contribute ideas for implementing CWS's vision and strategic plan.
  
  Problem Solving
  
  • Recognize routine problems, gather data and work through them thoroughly and effectively.
  • Know whom to consult for assistance in solving non-routine problems.
  • Exercise creativity in resolving problems and trying new ways of doing things.
  • Know how and when to apply technical solutions to problems.
  • Share results of problem solving experiences with others.
  • Remain flexible in responding to organizational priorities.
  
  Program Planning and Management
  
  • Anticipate workflow and take proactive steps to balance work priorities.
  • Understand the desired outcome of assigned work and how it supports CWS's work.
  • Identify the resources and assistance needed to complete work assignments and make sure they are on hand.
  • Complete routine assignments on time, making sure finished products are accurate and of expected quality.
  • Contribute ideas to effectively implement program plans and activities.
  • Keep others informed of work progress and any problems encountered.
  • Take initiative and complete independent work projects.
  • Understand organizational priorities and respect time sensitivity of work performance.
  • Assist others to complete priority work, or step in to handle work in their absence.
  
  Resource Building and Stewardship
  
  • Recognize resource building potential in all interactions and be responsive and professional in providing information.
  • Use financial and material resources provided by CWS to their best advantage, including business equipment and supplies.
  • Demonstrate concern for natural resources in carrying out work activities.
  • Make the most of own time and resources to maximize stewardship to CWS.
  • Respect one another and relationships with staff, supervisors and managers.
  
  Teamwork
  
  • Understand what a team is and what it does.
  • Demonstrate a willingness to work on a team.
  • Understand own role on the team and how it fits in to the overall results to be produced.
  • Contribute skills, knowledge and ideas to team discussion and work.
  • Accepts accountability for assignments made within the team and for producing results on time.
  • Keep team leader and members informed of work status.
  • Demonstrate awareness of what other teams do and how their work affects own team.
  • Recognize and respect the importance of work performed by colleagues.
  • Understand organizational priorities and is willing to set aside own tasks to assist others to complete high priority tasks.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required. Full or partial accreditation through the Board of Immigration Appeals or law degree is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience is required.
• Familiarity with US immigration issues and terminology and with DHS documentation as it relates to refugees, Cuban/Haitian Entrants, parolees, asylees, and other immigrants.
• Experience with immigration representation and other areas of immigration law.

Other Skills:

• Fluency in Spanish is required.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills are required.
• The successful candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word and Access) and internet applications.

Benefits

CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- 403 (b) Retirement Plan
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years)
- 14 Official Holidays
- 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly)
- Life Insurance and AD&D
- Long Term and Short-Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Accounts

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