Staff Generalist, Immigrations (Bilingual in English and Chinese) - Asian Americans for Equality

COMPENSATION: 53,000/Annually

Who we are:

Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization based in New York City. Founded in 1974 in Manhattan’s Chinatown to advocate for equal rights, AAFE has transformed in the past four decades to become one of the city’s leading housing, social service and community development organizations. AAFE advances racial, social and economic justice for Asian Americans and other systematically disadvantaged communities, guided by our experiences as Asian Americans and our commitment to civil rights. AAFE is nationally recognized as an innovative affordable housing developer and property manager; we have created and preserved more than 1,000 affordable rental units in Manhattan and Queens and provided over $400 million in mortgage financing for first-time homebuyers. Through our affiliate, Renaissance Economic Development Corporation, AAFE supports immigrant entrepreneurs, offering low-interest loans and training programs. From neighborhood offices in Chinatown and the Lower East Side (Manhattan) and Flushing and Jackson Heights (Queens) we provide an array of multilingual counseling and educational programs in support of low-income tenants, seniors and immigrant youth. AAFE strives for a more equitable city, through research, advocacy and grassroots community organizing. 

Position Summary & Responsibilities: 

The Staff Generalist, Immigration serves AAFE’s mission to empower immigrants through the provision of legal and case management services. As immigration policy and implementation changes, the Staff Generalist, Immigration keeps up to date on immigration news, identifies trends, and provides timely information to clients directly and through community outreach. The Staff Generalist, Immigration is responsible to provide quality services and meet contract requirements.

• Must obtain and maintain DOJ BIA accredited Status.
• Conduct preliminary intake interviews, gathering all relevant information for case review with attorney. 
• Make assessment of income eligibility and appropriate referrals for those individuals not eligible for organizational services. 
• Remain current on immigration law, policies and procedures. Remains current on implications of criminal and civil law as it applies to the representation of immigrants and refugees.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), pertinent government, social service and community organizations.
• Explain immigration and department policies and programs to the public, including at public speaking engagements.
• Operate in accordance with ethical standards of the legal profession, including the preservation of client confidentiality and the avoidance of conflicts of interest.
• Maintain complete and accurate client records; prepares timely reports.
• Participate in developing and implementing special projects; may have primary responsibility for projects involving presentations to particular ethnic groups, or systemic advocacy issues.
• Identify trends and recurring legal and social concerns; recommend strategies for solutions and advocacy.
• Interpret and translate for department and other organizational staff as assigned.
• Assist Program Directors in preparing regular reports to funders.
• Participate in department and staff meetings and trainings.
• Share light chores to maintain the optimize organization and neatness in the office. 
• Coordinate with community schedule in advance to ensure office coverage.
• Support office operation as needed.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bilingual/Fluent in English and Chinese
• Bachelor’s degree or any combination of High School degree or equivalent with any experience and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the job responsibilities.
• 2 years of  experience in community outreach and counseling.
• 2 years of experience in organizing campaign planning/development 
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated attention to detail and focus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite and social media platforms
• Strong analytical, verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to present information to a diverse client base- specifically racially, ethnically and socially diverse.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive materials and information
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple complex projects

EXPECTATIONS & HOW WE WORK:

Expectations:

We believe that the people and the communities that we have the privilege to serve, deserve our very best every day.  We are a results-driven organization that focuses on inclusiveness, empowerment and impact. AAFE employees are accountable, collaborative and strong communicators with a core strength of community service and development.  We are strategic thinkers who are committed to racial equality and treating each other, and the communities we serve, with respect and dignity.  We have an aptitude for technology and a strong desire to continuously learn. This philosophy expands to the way we manage our work and the way we put our best foot forward.  All employees are expected to adhere to the following:  

• Attendance and punctuality; includes being on-time for work, being on-time for scheduled meetings and planning for scheduled time-off in advance with supervisor approval.
• Overtime; obtain approval from supervisor prior to working overtime or comp time.
• Provide quality customer service to both internal and external partners and co-workers.  This includes responding to emails within 24 hours, answering the phone by the 3rd ring when possible and giving a deadline and meeting the given deadline for responding to inquiries.
• Dress appropriately for the workplace and in accordance with our dress-code policy.
• Maintain a positive, helpful attitude.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Communicate respectfully and treat others with dignity and respect at all times.
• Support efforts that ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
• Collaborate productively with co-workers offering solutions and accepting diverse perspectives and ideas.
• Understand and embrace the value in collaborating with people of different cultures, races, genders, ethnicities, beliefs, experiences and ideas.
• Enjoy your time at work!

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree or any combination of High School degree or equivalent with any experience and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the job responsibilities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The position requires sitting, standing, walking (both inside and outside of the office) and occasional lifting and carrying of approximately 30 pounds (event materials and/or office supplies).

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