DOJ Accredited Application Specialist in Training - IDPL (Citizenship)
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Under the supervision of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Director, and the lead DOJ Accredited Specialist, the Accredited Application Specialist in Training is responsible for assisting directly in processing Citizenship (N-400) applications, collection and organization of supporting documentation, meeting with clients in follow up appointments, filling out initial N-400 applications at workshops, and diverse administrative support tasks directly related to N-400 clients. While in training the specialist will help schedule appointments, manage calendars, use data base software and paper filing systems, and interact in person and on-line with clients in the office and at workshops. The specialist in training helps to ensure that legal guidelines are followed, that filing documents is timely and adheres to departmental policies, providing superior customer service, and preparing weekly and monthly program reports. The Application Specialist in training assists in processing applications in the office and at workshops held on the weekend.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Helps to fill out diverse USCIS citizenship applications, the N-400, I-90, N-600, I-30, Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA), and A-R11 applications, under the guidance and supervision of an accredited specialist, attorney, or lead DOJ specialist.
- Provides information to legal permanent residents in a one on one setting, assisting them directly on how to fill out the application.
- Studies and learns how to use USCIS and legal program guidelines to determine whether a legal permanent resident is eligible to file their application with IDPL.
- Helps to maintains data updated on all cases using IDPL internal databases and external funder report files, as well as filing the correct corresponding paper documents in the individual case file.
- Assist directly during citizenship workshops in any of the necessary steps needed to conduct the workshop: stations, set up, N-400 processing, fee waiver and others.
- Adheres to legal guidelines and best practices during all phases of processing citizenship applications.
- Participates in civic activities in support of the program or attends program meetings and trainings as requested.
- Participates in training on immigration policies and regulations.
- Works collaboratively and cooperatively with other IDPL staff, clients, and supervisors.
- Demonstrates an ability to work in a team with colleagues.
- Exhibits professional courtesy in dealing with program participants, colleagues, and team members, and the public.
- May work weekends and week nights as needed or requested in project based activities.
- Return client inquiries and phone messages in timely manner.
- Shows enthusiasm to assist legal permanent residents.
- Attend further professional development as indicated in employee evaluation.
- Performs other Citizenship program related duties as indicated by supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION
- Some college credits, and/or foreign equivalent, Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Obtain DOJ accreditation
- At least one year previous experience in a citizenship, legal, or nonprofit setting
- Bilingual English and Spanish, preferred
- Excellent oral and written communications skills
- Ability to maintain a high sense of confidentiality
- Able to work with a wide variety of people
- Exceptional organization and time management skills
- Above average customer service approach
- Ability to maintain composure under pressure
- Dependable and punctual
- Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the Internet
- Ability to use applications such as Zoom, Teams, Facebook Live, and other Video Chat applications
- Ability to use electronic software to fill out forms (USCIS online, or Law Logix)
The above is intended to describe the general conditions of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities and requirements.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Nature of work requires an ability to sit or stand for long periods of time, speak during presentations in front of groups, and operate standard business office equipment. Requires ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Majority of work performed in an office environment and at community venues (churches, schools) held on weekends. Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties. Must be able to work weekends. Also requires participation and attendance at organization sponsored events and meetings.
BENEFITS
Medical
Dental
Vison
Life Insurance
Short Term Disability
Long Term Disability
403b retirement saving plan
PAID TIME OFF
Vacation
Sick
Personal
Holidays
Instituto del Progresso Latino is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Skills Required
- Some college credits or foreign equivalent
- Bachelor's degree
- Obtain DOJ accreditation
- At least one year of experience in a citizenship, legal, or nonprofit setting
- Bilingual English and Spanish
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to work with a wide variety of people
- Exceptional organization and time management skills
- Above-average customer service approach
- Ability to maintain composure under pressure
- Dependability and punctuality
- Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the Internet
- Ability to use Zoom, Teams, Facebook Live, and other video chat applications
- Ability to use electronic software for forms, including USCIS online and LawLogix
- Availability to work weekends, weeknights, extended hours, and nontraditional hours
What We Do
Instituto del Progreso Latino was founded in 1977. Our mission is to contribute to the fullest development of Latino immigrants and their families through education, training, and employment that fosters full participation in the changing U.S. society while preserving cultural identity and dignity. Instituto provides services to and positively impacts 8,000 families a year. One of our most well known programs is Carreras en Salud, our nationally recognized healthcare career pathways program. We also offer career pathways programming in manufacturing and retail. Instituto College, which Instituto launched in 2018, offers ADN degrees to nursing students. We are the largest processor of citizenship applications in the state of Illinois. We offer Citizenship and Adult Education classes in English and Spanish., in addition to support services that ensure our students receive the help they need, including financial coaching, child care, and benefits assistance. Instituto also operates two charter schools, Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy (IHSCA)and Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy (IJLA).







