Immigration Specialist, Higher Education Legal Services Program
$47,840–$62,400 year
On-siteSan Diego, California, United States
Job Summary
Conduct immigration legal screenings and provide eligibility assessments for individuals seeking USCIS representation. Prepare filings for DACA, naturalization, and family-based petitions while managing active caseloads and monitoring deadlines. Coordinate client communications in the shared database and participate in weekly case review sessions with the Affirmative Services team. Present at community workshops and outreach activities across San Diego County and the border region. Stay current on rapidly changing immigration laws and policies to deliver high-quality legal services to low-income immigrant populations.
Required Qualifications
- 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
- 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
- Evening and weekend work will be required when we conduct workshops
- Travel may be required for conferences, outreach meetings, or community events
- The employee must have the ability to lift, push, or pull up to 25 pounds as needed
Desired Qualifications
- Bilingual English/Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, Tagalog, or other language
- A minimum of 1year in Immigration Legal services experience
- Having been previous experience as a a DOJ Accredited Representative
- immigration paralegal or legal assistant
- Experience working with immigrant populations
- Experience working with marginalized populations and survivors of trauma
- Dedication to serving immigrant communities with a sincere commitment to working on behalf of undocumented immigrants
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