Immigration Specialist - Department of Justice; DOJ Accredited Representative

Position Overview

JFS is looking for a compassionate, mission-driven individual to join the Affirmative Services Program, Immigration Legal Services Department as the Immigration Specialist. In this role, you have the opportunity to use your skills and experience to make a meaningful difference in your community and help change lives across San Diego. This role requires undergoing extensive training in immigration law to apply for Department of Justice (DOJ) Accreditation.

The Immigration Specialist plays an integral role on the team and supports the entire agency by providing direct representation in immigration cases, including representation before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), while helping to support the broader immigration efforts of JFS’s immigration legal services team. The Immigration Specialist’s legal work will be supervised by the Supervising Immigration Advocate, and on occasion some tasks will be supervised by the Directing Immigration Attorney.

The Immigration Specialist will work closely with the other members of the Immigration Legal Services Team including attorneys, DOJ representatives, and support staff, where appropriate.

• Conduct immigration legal screenings for individuals and families scheduled with the Affirmative Services program in person and virtually, as needed
• Provide eligibility and risk assessment for individuals and families seeking immigration representation before the USCIS
• Prepare immigration filings including DACA, naturalization, adjustment of status, family-based, and humanitarian immigration petitions
• Stay up to date on rapidly changing immigration laws and policies
• Manage and coordinate caseload of active cases, monitoring filing deadlines and other relevant dates
• Coordinate and document client communications in our shared data base
• Comply with data and program reporting requirements, as well as internal program and departmental policies
• Perform case management and any additional administrative tasks
• Actively participate in required weekly case review sessions, with the Affirmative Services team, and other program if collaboration is required across programs
• Participate in and present at community workshops, information sessions, and other outreach activities promoted by JFS or AS
• Be flexible and creative; the ideal candidate is someone that can easily adapt to constant changes

• Willingness and ability to apply for partial accreditation within 6 months of starting position
• A willingness to undergo extensive immigration law-focused legal training and complete required bi-annual ethics trainings
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task and organize in a fast paced and fluid environment. With the constant changes in immigration law and policy, sometimes there is a need to change the way tasks or cases are handled
• A passion for providing culturally competent, trauma-informed, high quality legal services to noncitizens and newcomers in San Diego County, Imperial County, and generally in the San Diego border region, including but not limited Tijuana/Mexicali, Mexico
• Capable of handling complex legal issues on behalf of low-income immigrant populations
• Proficient in Microsoft software including Excel, Word, Outlook and Adobe
• Familiar and comfortable with the use of Zoom, Teams and other programs to provide remote/virtual services
• Detail oriented and self-directed with strong oral and written communication skills in English
• Strong relational skills and a professional attitude
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including good communication skills, listening skills and attitude
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure
• Ability to work both independently and in a group setting
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends when needed
• Valid driver’s license, access to an automobile, insurance, and willingness to drive to off-site locations as needed
• Passion for social justice for immigrants required

• Bilingual English/Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, Tagalog, or other language - desired
• A minimum of 1 year in…