Immigration Specialist jobs in Tampa, FL

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

Purpose & Impact:

LSF is looking for a talented Immigration Paralegal who supports our clients in our refugee services program by assisting clients with their immigration needs.

Essential Functions:

• Assist attorneys with case support including substantial document collection (i.e., document collection from clients/families, police and state court records) and management.
• Prepare and file immigration petitions/applications such as the I-130, I-485, I-589, N-400, I-765, among others.
• Communicate and work well with clients, community members, family members, stakeholders, and partners as required.
• Intake or screen potential clients for immigration relief, pro se assistance.
• Maintain correspondence, including managing incoming and outgoing mail.
• Maintain case files and documents in paper files as well as in LSF’s electronic case management systems, including daily scanning, downloads, and uploads.
• Assist attorneys in developing case strategy and coordinating all immigration related services.
• Make determinations as to whether clients are eligible for LSF services.
• Draft legal correspondence to government agencies, complete legal research tasks, and continuously study everchanging immigration laws.
• Attend essential monthly/quarterly stakeholder meetings for important immigration law updates.
• Prepare weekly activity reports illustrating tasks that were completed the week prior for review.
• Obtain/maintain accreditation with the Department of Justice.
• Ensures that all client conversations and documentation is kept confidential according to the Model Rules of Professional Responsibility.
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Functions:

Note: The duties above are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described above.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to sit and work in front of a computer/video display screen for extended periods of time.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.

Education and Related Work Experience:

• Associate degree or completion of a paralegal’s studies program.
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Be currently or previously partially accredited by the Department of Justice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong document-gathering and management, filesystems, correspondence/referrals, follow-up, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work well with people from all cultures while showing sensitivity to issues our client populations face.
• Ability to utilize discretion and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team to develop new cases and legal initiatives.
• Good working knowledge of immigration law.
• Have excellent facility with computer systems and the ability to learn how to use immigration software.
• Bilingual-English and second language such as Spanish strongly preferred.

Other:

• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.
• Valid Florida driver's license and be insurable under LSF insurance carrier and have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.

Principle Accountabilities:

• Report to the Program Director.
• Team-player with co-worker and staff.
• Trustworthy and dependable/handles money from clients.
• Adheres to LSF’s policies and procedures.

Why work for LSF?  

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.    

Amazing benefits package including: 

• Medical, Dental and Vision 
• Teladoc (24/7 online access to doctors) 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary) 
• 13 paid holidays 1 floating holiday 
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year) 
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement 
• Tuition reimbursement  

Lutheran Services Florida embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.