Accredited Representative

Job Summary:

The Accredited Representative will assist the Immigration Program to provide quality legal services to clients.  An “accredited representative” is a status conferred by the US Department of Justice after completion of an application process.  The Accredited Representative will be part of a team of professionals who have dedicated themselves to the mission of LASROC, which is the provision of high-quality civil legal services to low and moderate- income litigants. Services include direct representation, legal counseling, community outreach, education and training.

Responsibilities Include:

• Provide direct immigration representation to individuals filing applications with USCIS
• Conduct office, clinic, and outreach intake. Intake includes database entry and screening applicants for financial eligibility, cross-reference applicants for conflicts and obtain basic facts of an applicant’s problem.
• Provide information and referral and know about other available legal and human services.
• Provide translation assistance for immigration staff as needed, including at United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) interviews at Immigration Court appearances.    
• Open pre-litigation files for all eligible clients each week, monitor files and send follow up correspondence.   
• Open litigation files, review relevant documents, prepare retainer agreement and have client read and sign it, collect fees.
• Draft court and client document per case. 
• Schedule appointments for clients to read and review all documents. Explain documents if applicable and have client sign as required.
• Conduct all client follow-up and evaluations, as requested.
• Maintain effective communication with clients by telephone and draft letters to clients.
• Transcribe accurate and detailed notes of all client contacts and conversations with third parties related to a client’s case in LASROC’s case management system LegalServer. Participate in LASROC office functions, including program staff meetings and other LASROC office meetings.
• Participate in CLE and specialized training in the area of immigration law. Keep up to date on legislative changes and current case law. Maintain a working relationship with community agencies.
• Perform research about cases, particularly legal issues and current immigration policy updates
• Assist with community education and training.
• Perform additional support tasks for the Immigration program as required.
• Support other LASROC units and staff as needed.
• Additional duties at the discretion of the Program Director

Qualifications:

• BA or BS required.
• Strong attention to detail, organization skills and the ability to perform multiple tasks.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must be a team player and have a positive and cooperative work attitude.
• Should have knowledge of immigration laws and immigration guidelines and procedures for intake and financial eligibility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Extended periods of sitting at a desk or workstation while performing administrative tasks.
• Regular use of computers and other office equipment, requiring manual dexterity and visual concentration.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings, training sessions, or other events.
• Ability to communicate effectively with associates, supervisors, and external stakeholders in person, over the phone, or via email.
• Office-based environment with standard office equipment and ergonomic furniture.
• Exposure to typical office noises such as phone calls, conversations, and office equipment operation.
• Work will be performed in an in-office environment.
• Must have driver’s license and ability to drive to USCIS in Buffalo NY.
  

BENEFITS

• Hybrid Work schedule
• Paid Lunch Hour
• Employer contributions toward health and dental insurance plans
• Up to:
  • 15 days of vacation to start (More based on experience)
  • 96 hours of sick leave
  • 48 hours of personal time
  • 14 paid holidays a year
  • $600 per year internet stipend
  • 3% match on the 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan of your choice
  • $3,000 salary differential for being proficient in a program-relevant language
• Professional development opportunities
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer contribution toward parking fees
  

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.