Immigration Specialist

JOB TITLE: Program Associate – Immigration Specialist with Civic and Cultural Education Program REPORTS TO: Program Director TIME COMMITMENT: Full-time (or part-time 20-29 hours/week) STARTING SALARY: Commensurate with experience

GENERAL POSITION DESCRIPTION

Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) is a dynamic, forward-looking, and growing organization. We seek motivated and enthusiastic candidates to fill in the Program Associate– Immigration Specialist position with the Civic and Cultural Education Program (CCEP). The CCEP empowers new Americans with security in their rights and liberties by providing English and Citizenship instruction, including civic education and rights and responsibilities knowledge, along with one-on-one asylum, green card, naturalization, and other immigration related application assistance. In addition, the CCEP also collaboratively works with community partners such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to improve newcomers’ ability to navigate and understand the naturalization process and the US legal system and promotes community participation and civic engagement, encouraging newcomers to be active and engaged citizens. Since 2012, approximately 10,000 individuals have been served through this program. The Program Associate – Immigration Specialist helps coordinate and, if needed, teaches an ECI class (20%), does individual case management and provides support services and supervision services to case managers (60%), and participates in programmatic management and partners engagement (20%). The PA works with the Executive Director and Senior Management Team to oversee and track project expenditures; maintain the project’s financial records; and monitor grants, donations and in-kind goods and services received.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

Participate and conduct clients’ intake and ensure eligibility as per the program requirements – e.g. the clients are Humanitarian Parolees, asylum seekers, or Legal Permanent Residents (LPR). Provide one-on-one Naturalization application assistance, helping asylum seekers and LPRs with preparing and submitting Form I-589, N-400, G-28, I-485, I-912 and other relevant forms. Perform individual case-management effectively, keep track of individual case progress, and conduct follow up on the applicants in a timely manner. Prepare and instruct Citizenship/English literacy class to maximize students’ achievements on the standardized tests, including TABE CLAS-E. Properly and timely administer all required testing to students. Work with partner organizations to maintain necessary student information for compliance with data requirements under CCEP. Recruit, coordinate, train, and supervise Citizenship classes’ volunteers and/or interns. Coordinate outreach, education, and media activities; make public presentations on Civic and Cultural Education classes. Plan and coordinate educational services; schedule and advertise classes; coordinate with ESL and Citizenship Instructors. Oversee successful completion of testing, policy/procedure requirements, and semi-annual and annual reporting. Assist program leadership with accurate financial reporting and monitoring; prepare data reports and programmatic reports for contracts and funders. Maintain a program event log with complete and accurate information. Oversee other Citizenship classes; ensure Institute’s representation at immigration related service coordination meetings and conferences and other informational or educational events. Maintain and increase up-to-date knowledge of immigration law and policies through timely reading (e-mail list serves, publications) and participation in webinars, staff meetings, and periodic off-site training. Be thoroughly familiar with the policies and procedures guiding the work of this position in particular and the work of the program. Perform job functions in line with these policies and procedures. Participate in training required by accreditation standards, plus performance and quality improvement efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of immigration and naturalization services Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent organizational and time-management skills. Detail oriented, able to multitask. Self-motivated, able to work in a team and independently. Enthusiasm for BACI’s mission and strong commitment to promoting CCEP goals. Cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers. Ability to work closely with other employees to ensure a positive, constructive environment within the program and throughout the Institute. Flexibility and availability, including willingness to travel and work some weekends. International experience – high degree of cultural sensitivity and competence. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and growth-oriented environment, while maintaining a sense of humor and a positive, solution-oriented approach. Willing to learn. Pass the Background Check. Bilingual strongly preferred.

OTHER SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office (Excel and Word) and internet applications. A valid driver’s license is required, along with the ability to help move furniture and donations. The candidate will be expected to transport clients in his/her own vehicle (mileage will be reimbursed) and must have a reliable, working car for this purpose.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree in a field related to either international affairs, political science, education, social services, or any related fields. Interested candidates should submit a resume and a one-page cover letter to Human Resources at the BACI, at View email address on click.appcast.io. Check the website for more information: Applications will be reviewed immediately. Position open until filled. #J-18808-Ljbffr Burmese American Community Institute