CIS Legal Service Counselor I

Join CASL as a CIS Legal Service Counselor I and Make a Difference Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in your community? Join CASL, where our mission is to support immigrant and refugee families as they navigate the path to citizenship, stability, and opportunity. As part of our Citizenship & Immigration Services team, you will play a vital role in helping community members access accurate immigration information, complete essential applications, and connect to trusted resources that empower them to build secure and successful futures. Your Mission To support immigrant and refugee community members in navigating the citizenship and immigration process by providing accurate information, high-quality application assistance, and culturally responsive client support in alignment with CASL’s mission. About CASL Founded in 1978, CASL is the largest and most comprehensive community-based organization in the Midwest, with deep roots in serving Asian Americans and a commitment to welcoming all. With over 45 years of experience, CASL supports individuals and families across four essential areas: health, human services, education, and advocacy. From early learning and senior care to legal assistance, housing support, and citizenship services, CASL helps thousands of Chicago‑area residents build healthy, stable, and empowered lives. To hear about CASL's history, watch here CASL's future, watch here Make a Difference, and Get the Support You Deserve Salary Range: $40,000 – $42,000/year | Full Benefits Package Included We value your expertise and commitment, and we invest in both. From competitive pay and comprehensive benefits to a culture that puts people first, you’ll be supported while doing work that matters. This role is based in Chinatown, Chicago, with a standard Monday–Friday schedule. Scroll down for full details on salary, benefits, schedule and what it's like to be part of CASL. What You’ll Impact As a CIS Legal Service Counselor I, you will expand access to trusted immigration services, reduce barriers for limited‑English‑proficient clients, and help individuals and families move toward citizenship, stability, and long‑term integration into their communities. Key Responsibilities Client Services Provide clients with accurate information about USCIS application procedures, ensuring compliance with legal standards without providing legal interpretation. Assist clients in completing immigration forms based on their provided information, avoiding legal advice on form responses. Collect and verify supporting documents for client applications, ensuring completeness and accuracy. Monitor and follow up on clients’ application statuses, providing timely updates and assistance as needed. Refer clients to appropriate programs, both within and outside the agency, for specialized support. Direct clients to the agency’s DOJ‑accredited representatives for legal services when necessary. Interpretation and Escort Services Offer interpretation services for clients in their correspondence with USCIS and other relevant agencies. Escort clients to government offices for citizenship and immigration processes, including fingerprinting, oath ceremonies, and interviews, ensuring support throughout these procedures. Administrative Duties Schedule clients for CIS services and maintain an updated work schedule to ensure effective time management. Enter and update client demographic information, services provided, and application processes in CASL’s Salesforce database, generating reports for program performance evaluation. Maintain organized and comprehensive client files, ensuring all necessary documentation is up‑to‑date and securely stored. Outreach and Professional Development Assist in conducting outreach activities by developing and updating informational flyers and distributing them to targeted areas. Support workshops by handling various tasks and recruiting and training volunteers to assist with outreach efforts. Attend at least 8 hours of job‑related training as required annually for professional development and to stay current with immigration laws and best practices. Additional Responsibilities Contribute to additional responsibilities as needed to support the Adult Service department’s initiatives and overall organizational goals, ensuring flexibility and alignment with CASL’s evolving needs. Note: This job description outlines primary responsibilities but is not exhaustive. Duties may evolve in response to organizational needs, and flexibility will be required. What You Bring - To thrive in this role, you should have: Education and Experience: Associate degree with at least 4 years of working experience, or High School diploma or GED equivalent is required with at least 5 years of related working experience. Skills and Knowledge: Strong interest in working with clients of all ages, demonstrating empathy and cultural sensitivity Bilingual proficiency in spoken and written English and Chinese (Cantonese preferred, Mandarin and/or Toishanese plus), Spanish a plus Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment, with the ability to adjust to changing client needs and program requirements. Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to think critically and find creative solutions to client challenges and service delivery obstacles. Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel), data entry and web navigation Basic end‑user level understanding and experience with Salesforce is a plus. Bonus Points For Community outreach or workshop facilitation experience Experience working with immigrant, refugee, or limited‑English‑proficient population Physical Demands Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods, with occasional lifting or moving of objects weighing up to 20 pounds. Required to sit for extended periods of time and travel by car. Environment and Scheduling Standard business hours, Monday through Friday (9:00 am - 5:00 pm), with flexibility to work additional hours, as necessary. Work is performed in various settings including the office, clients’ homes, and outdoor environments. Compensation & Benefits This position offers a salary range of $40,000 - $42,000 annually, reflective of experience and qualifications. Join CASL and unlock a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your loved ones. As a full‑time employee, you'll enjoy a range of options tailored to your needs. CASL’s comprehensive benefits package includes Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage Retirement Plan Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) 11+ Paid Holidays, including Lunar New Year and Juneteenth Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA) Life Insurance, AD&D, and Disability Coverage Voluntary Worksite Benefits and Pet Insurance Commuter Benefits Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your household Why Choose CASL Inclusivity: Join an organization that values mutual respect and acceptance, fostering a culture of inclusivity. Empowerment: Support staff empowerment through skill development and growth opportunities. Collaboration: Be part of a workplace that thrives on collaboration and teamwork. Transformation: Envision and realize transformative changes in people, processes, and policies. Resiliency: Work with a dynamic workforce and model resiliency to achieve collective strengths. Join Us and Make a Difference Join us at CASL, where together, we create a brighter future for our community. Thank you for your interest in joining our team! Every application is personally reviewed by a real person—not AI. Our process may take some time, but rest assured, we will follow up with updates as soon as we can. We appreciate your patience and look forward to learning more about you. At CASL, we believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive success. If you're excited about the opportunity but unsure if you meet every requirement listed, we still encourage you to submit your application. Our company culture thrives on the unique talents and experiences that each individual brings to the table. We're looking for the right fit, and that goes beyond a checklist of qualifications. Join us in shaping a dynamic and inclusive team where your skills and contributions truly matter. CASL is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. #J-18808-Ljbffr