HIAS Pennsylvania supports low-income immigrants of all backgrounds as they build new lives in the community. Through immigration legal services and an array of social services, they work to address their needs, defend their rights, and advocate for their equitable inclusion in American society. HIAS Pennsylvania’s Immigrant Victim of Crime (IVOC) Program provides legal services to immigrant victims of violent crimes.

 

Position:

The Legal Advocate will provide high quality legal services to victim immigrants eligible for U nonimmigrant visas, and other applicable forms of relief. Work is in office with the option to work remotely two days per week. Salary range is $40,500 to $53,500 ( full-time, 35 hours per week) depending on experience and qualifications.

 

Responsibilities:

• Draft and file immigration forms, including requests for fee waivers, work permit renewals, U visa applications, adjustment of status applications, work permits;
• Communicate with clients to ensure timely and effective information sharing regarding upcoming appointments, deadlines, and other individual aspects of case;
• Immigration assistance including collecting necessary paperwork and documentation for special visa applications and completing and filing these applications;
• Collaborate with social service partner agency regarding social services needs and referrals;
• Individual advocacy with various stakeholders;
• Act as a liaison between the victim and the Police Department, the District Attorney’s office or other social service agencies;
• Provide support to the victim and advocate on behalf of the victim during interviews and subsequent contact with law enforcement agencies;
• Participate in PCCD, diversity and other appropriate trainings;
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with court, police, community groups, social service and agency employees;
• Translate written materials as needed;
• Advise victims of their eligibility to file for Victim Compensation Assistance Program claims and provide appropriate referrals;
• Offer (rare but occasional) home visiting for victims unable to come into the office.
•  Provide public presentations to identify crime victims; and
•  Additional assignments as required by the funder and/or the needs of the program.
• Community outreach and engagement;
• Networking and training community partners;

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree (strongly preferred) or equivalent combination of education and work experience required;
•  LL.M graduates with a background in immigration law are encouraged to apply; 
•  Previously Accredited Representatives preferred; if not accredited, individuals are required to take 40 hours of training with the goal of becoming accredited (Applicants with more than six years of experience as Accredited Representatives will be considered at the higher salary range);
• Bi-lingual Spanish-English speaking skills (required);
• A minimum of one year’s experience with immigration legal services and/or combination of education and work experience with immigrant victims of crime (strongly preferred);
•  Passion for working in a diverse community;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills;
•  Ability to work independently/collaboratively;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel applications and database management; 
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 virus unless granted an exemption for medical or religious beliefs.

How to Apply:

Send a cover letter and resume in PDF format to humanresources@hiaspa.org and make the title of the position the subject of your email. No phone calls.