Immigration Legal Services (ILS) - Intake Volunteer-COPY

Related Program: Refugee & Immigration Services

80 Sherman Street
Portland, ME

The ILS Intake Volunteer will assist the ILS manager with basic eligibility screening, intake phone calls, and intake questionnaire completion for ILS clients. They will receive training in the types of immigration processes we provide and the client populations we assist. This training will allow them to be the first point of contact for ILS and gather the necessary data to schedule them for initial consultations.

They will also assist with sending out follow up emails with instructions on which documents to gather and information worksheets to complete. They may assist with scheduling initial consultations and supporting the ILS manager with client contact surrounding legal clinics or workshops offered through ILS. The position will require ability to navigate Microsoft Forms, Excel, and case management software.

As a member of the ILS team, the ILS Intake Volunteer will attend weekly ILS team meetings to discuss legislative updates and case consultations. They will be an essential part of ILS’s ability to manage our waitlist and caseloads and will provide updates to clients inquiring about our services. They will also provide referrals to other providers as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Respond to inquiries from potential ILS clients
• Complete client intake questionnaires
• Provide consultation readiness materials via email
• Assist ILS manager with data entry and scheduling

Impact of Opportunity: 

The Immigration Legal Services (ILS) - Intake Volunteer will embody the CCM core value of "hospitality" by "welcoming the most vulnerable and in need to an environment of dignity, safety, warmth and a sense of being home."

Qualifications & Skills Required:

• Outgoing with excellent communication skills. Multi-lingual skills preferred (specifically French, Spanish, Arabic, Kinyarwanda, Somali, or Lingala)
• Strong computer & writing skills. Must be comfortable with Microsoft Suite.
• Attention to detail
• Experience and/or strong interest in working with people from different cultural backgrounds
• Ability to approach cultural & age differences humbly from a place of learning.
• Commitment to ongoing self-reflection to examine privilege and prejudices.
• Willingness to learn from immigrants and promote respect.
• Ability to build relationships and establish trust.
• Patience, flexibility, and dependability.

Training Offered:

• Catholic Charities Maine Volunteer Orientation video series
• Ongoing RIS program/department orientation with various staff
• Weekly supervision with Program Manager
• Webinars & courses from Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange, Switchboard.

Time Commitment & Schedule: 6 hours per week minimum. Must be available for Tuesday team meetings (remote attendance is ok) from 9:45-11:00.

Benefits:

• Ability to directly connect immigrant community members with services.
• An increased understanding of USCIS immigration processes.
• Experience in a legal office setting.
• Experience working with professional interpreters.
• Exposure to new cultures.
• Learn about barriers immigrants face and how non-profits can help overcome them.

Program Contact: Eliana Trenam, ILS Manager: 207-560-7689

Click Here to Apply Online

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