Immigration Intake Specialist

Job Description

Signpost

Signpost is a digitally enabled responsive information service that supports and empowers populations in crisis, including asylum-seekers, migrants, and people who have experienced violence. Signpost meets communities on the digital platforms they already use and aims to deliver information that is contextualized to their specific needs and speaks to their lived realities, so that they can make informed decisions about how to stay safe, exercise their rights, and get access to services. This approach draws on evidence that people are more likely to trust and act on information that is responsive to their needs and that comes from “peers” rather than authority figures. Signpost was developed by the IRC and Mercy Corps in 2015 in Greece and is now active in over 12 countries on 5 continents.

Signpost as a digital safety net for Unaccompanied Children

IRC launched the ImportaMí program in September 2021, to reach unaccompanied migrant and asylum-seeking children who are at risk of falling through the cracks, vulnerable to receiving in absentia removal orders (due to missing their hearing), or missed opportunities to secure lawful immigration status, as well as to exploitation, trafficking, or social exclusion. We are expanding our team to include an Immigration Intake Specialist for unaccompanied children processed through Influx Care Facilities (ICF). The Immigration Intake Specialist will serve as the central point of contact for unaccompanied children who need a Know Your Rights presentation and/or legal screening, as part of our expanded post-release services. This position involves working directly with diverse unaccompanied children and sponsors across the country, remotely, and in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professional standards and best practices for client appointments and communication. The Intake Specialist will be responsible for a specific region of the country and connect with children from that area (ie. Northeast, Southeast, Central, Mountain or West Coast). This position reports to the Legal Program Manager and works closely with the Outreach and Content Manager, Signpost Digital Community Liaisons (DCLs), and other members of the legal team. This could be a remote or hybrid position depending on the location of the candidate and the needs of the program.

Responsibilities:

- Review weekly reports and ensure that outreach efforts are made according to established protocols. - Conduct Know Your Rights presentations remotely to unaccompanied children from ICF sites. - Conduct legal screenings for eligible unaccompanied children including children from ICF sites; an interpreter can be used, as needed. - Draft case summaries based on intakes to assist with placement with low-bono or private attorneys. - Under the supervision of the Legal Program Manager, provide unaccompanied children and sponsors with information on possible forms of relief they may be eligible for and relevant legal service referrals to pro bono, low-bono, and private attorneys. - Discuss outreach protocols, highlight trends, successes, and concerns, and content needs with the Outreach and Content Manager and Content Development Coordinators, to ensure consistency. - Maintain up-to-date knowledge and eligibility criteria for immigration legal services. - Schedule appointments and follow up on calls to ensure intakes and relevant referrals are provided to unaccompanied children and sponsors. - Maintain and update cases in Unaccompanied Children Legal Services Database (UCLS) and UCORD and provide reports to funder, as requested. - Answer calls and texts via phone and WhatsApp and accept warm referrals from Digital Community Liaisons (DCLs). - Escalate legal questions and concerns to Legal Program Manager, for consultation, response approvals, and potential revisions to standard KYR script or screening form. - Escalate wraparound high-need cases to Outreach and Content Program Manager and Project Director, and Protection Specialists, as necessary, based on established safety protocols. - Schedule client appointments and send reminder text messages and/or phone calls. - Arrange for interpretation with approved providers, for KYR presentations and screenings, as needed. - Conduct monthly file review and report. - Create and maintain electronic files and ensure relevant documentation is provided to facilitate consultations and placement with an attorney. - Other tasks and projects as assigned.

Team Collaboration

- The Immigration Intake Specialist will be line-managed by the Legal Program Manager, Signpost. - They will work closely with the Outreach and Content Program Manager, immigration and legal services teams, and Child Protection teams.

Job Requirements:

- College degree in a social justice, immigrants’ rights, community advocacy or a related field preferred. - 1-3 years of relevant professional experience preferred. - Bilingual English/Spanish required. Fluency in spoken and written English is required (B2 or greater). - Speakers of Mayan languages are strongly encouraged to apply. - Knowledge of and interest in learning about immigration law and related benefits for unaccompanied children. - Experience working with immigrants and refugees OR lived experience with displacement or the immigration system. - Experience working with children and/or survivors of trauma preferred. - High emotional intelligence. - Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment - An understanding of the subtlety of language and how to communicate effectively with diverse children and sponsors. - Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment. - Exceptional attention to detail required. - Interest and ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member. - Strong computer proficiency and well acquainted with basic software tools – ability to navigate autonomously in Windows, Android, Microsoft 365 Suite, and Google docs.

Working Environment:

- Standard office environment, with option for remote or hybrid/flex arrangements.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings). Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

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