Immigration Program Specialist

Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. In the U.S.; IRC provides assistance to refugees resettling here through 27 offices operating in 16 states. IRC resettles approximately 11,000 refugees per year and provides numerous program services to assist the refugee from their arrival through citizenship. The IRC in Salt Lake City opened it office in 1994, and provides resettlement services through extended case management to newly arrived refugees for up to 24-months as well as over twenty different programs to educate and empower refugees. 

Job Overview:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Salt Lake City provides comprehensive immigration services to refugees and other immigrants in the community. The Immigration Program at IRC in Salt Lake City is a vital part of US Programs and is responsible for providing immigration legal assistance and expertise to immigrant clients at all stages in their path from the first few weeks of arrival to naturalization and beyond. The Immigration Specialist provides support to the immigration program staff with assisting administrative duties, providing screening and assistance to eligible as well as maintaining accurate immigration records.

Major Responsibilities:

• Perform administrative duties including receiving and screening phone calls and emails, communicating with clients about their appointments and case processing, open and sort mail and take appropriate action on notices from USCIS.
• Support accurate immigration records and assist in reviewing files periodically for quality control and to ensure timely application submissions and follow up on all communications regarding filed applications and petitions.
• Work in close cooperation with immigration program staff and IRC volunteer coordinator to oversee and train program interns and volunteers.
• Coordinate communication and referrals with other community-based organizations and legal service providers.
• Assist with administration and coordination of the Utah Immigration Network partnership.
• Under supervision of the immigration program staff screen and assist eligible individuals to file applications and petitions for immigration benefits.
• Prepare for DOJ accreditation to provide assistance to immigration cases.
• Conduct outreach to local refugee, asylum and immigrant communities about the availability of low-cost immigration legal services.
• Attend program-related meetings with USCIS, CBOs, Collaborations and report back to Immigration Manager.
• Attend all IRC immigration and other trainings and webinars in preparation for DOJ accreditation and other technical knowledge skill development.
• Perform other duties as required.

• Undergraduate degree or 2-4 years relevant work experience in immigration or human services field preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written skills with demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment and with limited-English speakers.
• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member, to both take initiative and follow instructions.
• Detail-oriented, well-organized, with the proven ability to prioritize duties and manage time effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook Access), and ability to manage a database a plus.
• Proficiency in more than one language, preferably Spanish.