Specialist, Outreach & Education

Purpose

Promotes HIAS Immigration & Citizenship services to diverse communities; coordinates and facilitates educational programming for immigrant and professional audiences; represents JCFS Chicago and HIAS Immigration & Citizenship in the community and strengthens relationships with other immigration legal services providers and community-based organizations.

This is a grant-funded position that is contingent upon the availability of grant funding. The position will conclude 6/30/2027, when the grant funding ends, unless additional funding is secured. This position is a part-time position anticipated to work 22.5 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Engages in outreach activities to promote HIAS Citizenship & Immigration services.
• Facilitates constructive relationships between HIAS Immigration & Citizenship and other immigration legal services providers and community-based organizations to maximize community outreach and service provision, and enhance the program’s effectiveness.
• Coordinates various citizenship preparation programs, such as citizenship classes and tutorial programs, including scheduling, referrals and materials.
• Facilitates presentations on matters related to immigration and citizenship to diverse audiences including prospective clients, community members and partner institutions.
• Coordinates volunteer efforts in partnership with the JCFS Volunteer Coordinator, including training for those who assist with citizenship applications, lead citizenship classes, and tutor citizenship applicants.
• Represents HIAS Immigration & Citizenship and JCFS Chicago at meetings with other private and public agencies related to citizenship and immigration, as well as at relevant programs and events in the Jewish and broader communities.
• Assures accountability by collecting data and producing statistics documenting the service volume of HIAS Immigration & Citizenship.
• Attends HIAS Immigration & Citizenship staff meetings and JCFS Chicago meetings as assigned and works collaboratively with colleagues to strengths the HIAS program and JCFS Chicago agency.
• Represents JCFS and its programs in a positive manner to both internal and external contacts.
• Remains current in knowledge of United States Immigration policy and procedures as related to immigration and naturalization.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Traits

• Progressive, social-minded individual who practices cultural humility.
• Comfortable presenting to large and small groups on all our core education topics.
• Flexible and able to shift gears quickly based on situation or changing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Efficient and effective time management and planning skills.
• Excellent administrative organizational skills which ensure multiple competing priorities are addressed and completed in a strategic and thoughtful manner.
• Independent with demonstrated use of sound judgement.
• Able to establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

Decision Making Authority

• Makes decisions within the scope of current policies and procedures. Obtains approval for deviation in procedure.

Key Interactions

Clients

Families

External Agencies

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree.
• Cross-cultural experience/experience working with refugee and immigrant clients preferred, particularly in community outreach or organizing.
• Ability to work, interact and communicate effectively with a diverse range of community stakeholders and JCFS staff across multiple program areas.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekend and evening hours when necessary.
• Knowledge of or experience working in Chicagoland’s immigration legal services community preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Fluency in English and at least one additional language representative of the clients served is preferred.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license, a safe driving record, and regular access to a reliable, insured vehicle.
• Ability to travel throughout Chicagoland area, including north and northwest suburbs.

What you’ll love about us:

Time off: Paid time off varies by position - includes vacation days, sick days, paid federal holidays, and paid Jewish holidays.

Benefit eligibility begins when working full time including - Medical, dental, and vision insurance. 401(k) with base contribution and match. Additional health and wellness benefits, financial benefits, professional training, tuition reimbursement, 6 weeks paid parental leave, and much more.

Compensation: The minimum compensation for this part-time position is starting at $30,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on experience.

*Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship*.

Please visit us at http://www.jcfs.org

JCFS Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. JCFS Chicago provides a reasonable accommodation to those who need assistance in completing this application. JCFS Chicago is committed to serving the needs of the diverse Chicago metropolitan area. Accredited by COA, Charter member of CWLA, licensed by DCFS.