Position Summary:
The Catholic Diocese of Raleigh is looking for a skilled Immigration Specialist to provide expert guidance and ensure a smooth transition throughout the complex process of bringing international priests to serve within our diocese. This position requires proficiency in navigating immigration regulations, managing detailed paperwork, and conducting comprehensive background checks. The Immigration Specialist will be responsible for accurate record-keeping and providing consistent and ongoing support.
This position requires a very high level of organization and attention to detail, a strong work ethic, intuition, and the ability to effectively manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously. Additionally, fluency in both Spanish and English is essential to communicate with and support our international clergy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Interpretation and translation, drafting documents and immigration forms, and assisting diocesan staff with compiling and filing immigration paperwork.
- Ensure entry of timely, accurate, and detailed case data into a case management system and maintain hard copy files.
- With attorney direction, keep incoming priests and diocesan leadership apprised of the progress of the cases.
- Conduct research and record searches using LexisNexis and various online research tools.
- Ability to travel to and from the immigration court in Charlotte as needed.
- Oversee the office and handle other administrative tasks, as requested by the Vicar General.
Minimum Requirements:
- Two to three (2-3) years of law-related work experience (immigration law strongly preferred).
- Must be fluent in both spoken and written English and Spanish.
- Competency with interpreting and translating in professional settings.
- Knowledge of USCIS and EOIR filing systems, preferred.
- Familiarity with immigration legal terminology, preferred.
- Ability to manage immigration cases, gather required information, and keep leadership informed of progress.
- Exceptional recordkeeping and communication skills.
- Responsible, self-initiating, and focused, with proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent organizational skills with an ability to manage large amounts of information, establish priorities, problem-solve, and meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal, cultural humility, and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to quickly learn and become proficient in other case management or immigration database systems.
- The means and willingness to travel (a North Carolina driver license and regular access to a vehicle are required).
- Impeccable integrity, sound judgment, and discretion.
- Support of the Mission and Vision of the Roman Catholic Church
- Must satisfactorily complete the required criminal background and reference checks.
- Must complete Diocese-sponsored Safe Environment Training within 30 days of hire.
Hours Per Week: 40 hours / Hybrid
About the Diocese:
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh comprises the 54 eastern counties of North Carolina, covering 33,088 square miles with a population of 5,088,389 (based on 2020 census data). The diocese is divided into eight deaneries with a total of 80 parishes, 17 missions, and four centers for campus ministry. The diocese is served by 147 active diocesan and religious order priests. The diocese includes nearly 500,000 Catholics.