Bilingual Immigration Program Case Coordinator

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:

Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN) provides free legal advice and legal representation to low-income individuals and underserved communities through volunteer attorneys, interpreters, and other legal professionals. VLN is a private non-profit organization. VLN’s mission is to protect and promote the basic needs of people in poverty through the power of legal volunteers. VLN envisions a society where everyone has equal access to the legal services essential for stability and well-being. 

JOB DESCRIPTION: 

This position is responsible for responding to requests for free legal services from potential clients in a timely manner and to ensure that they have a quality experience when applying for free legal services. This position gathers necessary information and documentation from clients, works with a staff attorney to prepare the immigration cases for placement with volunteer attorneys, and supports the work of volunteer attorneys to ensure that they stay connected with VLN clients. The position will work with immigration HUB partners within a coordinated intake and referral system, and provide support regarding technology, outreach, and communications for the Immigration Program. 

This is a great position for anyone interested in learning more about how immigration law impacts the everyday lives of low-income Minnesotans and access to justice issues. This position is well-suited for anyone who enjoys communicating with diverse groups of people regarding a wide range of legal issues that commonly affect low-income individuals living in Minnesota.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

•             Responding to requests for free legal help to screen and sign up applicants for the appropriate service which includes gathering relevant and required documentation needed to evaluate their cases for free legal help.

•             Answering phone calls to VLN’s client intake line, screening applicants, and signing callers up for the appropriate service.

•             Coordinating and staffing in person (located in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota) and virtual legal clinics that provide screening services, advice, help to complete immigration forms, and referrals.

•             Collaborating and building relationships, including recruiting volunteers, with HUB partners, community partners, volunteer attorneys and other volunteers to provide services. 

•             Collecting and copying documentation, completing forms, assembling filing packets, and coordinating case placement with pro bono attorneys.

•             Creating and managing calendars and scheduling clients and volunteers for in-person, remote, and telephone services. 

•             Entering data into VLN’s database and managing and monitoring data integrity. 

•             Problem-shooting technology issues. 

•             Drafting and distributing communication tools such as an immigration newsletter. 

•             Attending meetings, collaborating with partners, and participating in outreach activities.

•             Assisting VLN program managers, staff attorneys, volunteers and clients as needed. 

•             Assisting with other tasks as needed and as dictated by supervisor. 

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

•             Fluency in both English and Spanish. Ability to interpret a plus. 

•             Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income communities and communities of color.

•             Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365. (Experience with database or case management systems strongly preferred but not required).

•             Good writing skills in English and Spanish. 

•             Experience troubleshooting technology issues. 

•             Good planning and organizational skills and attention to detail.

•             Prior work or volunteer experience related to VLN’s mission or VLN’s client communities is preferred.

•             Ability to travel to staff in-person legal clinics in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and occasionally in Greater Minnesota. 

•             Ability to work with persons seeking legal help through active and empathetic listening, asking relevant questions, de-escalating tensions, providing appropriate referrals, clearly explaining next steps, etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is a hybrid position requiring in-person work in the VLN main office and at legal clinic sites and working remotely.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

VLN offers a competitive compensation package, including:

•             Hourly compensation at the rate of $23.10 per hour (40 hours/week).

•             Paid Time Off

•             IRA Plan with 3% employer contribution

•             Healthcare (100% coverage for an employee; option for employees to buy into the lower deductible plan)

•             Dental (100% coverage for employees)

•             FSA

•             Life Insurance

•             Short and Long-term disability insurance

•             Please note, all plan benefits programs are governed by plan documents. In the event of conflicts, the plan documents govern. 

HIRING PROCESS

We are accepting applications until the position is filled. Selected applicants will be asked to participate in a remote interview with members of VLN’s leadership and intake teams. Finalists may be invited to participate in a second interview.  A minimum of three work-related references from supervisors are required. 

JOB SHARING

Job sharing is not available for this position.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

VLN is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other factors prohibited by applicable law. Those with diverse economic, social, or cultural experiences are encouraged to apply. This position may be subject to collective bargaining. 

HOW TO APPLY: 

Mail cover letter explaining your qualifications, as well as resume, and three references to hradmin@vlnmn.org 

No phone calls please. 

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Open until filled.