Immigration Legal Assistant at International Rescue Committee
IRC’s immigration legal services program serves more than 14,000 individuals in 23 sites throughout the U.S. each year, providing accessible and critical legal representation and advice to immigrants and their families in order to acquire the highest level of immigration status available, keep families together, access their full rights, and successfully integrate in the U.S.
The position supports legal practitioners in representing clients before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Legal services focus on naturalization, adjustment of status, and family reunification. Note: this is a limited term, part-time position for 20-22.5 hours for 12 months, with possibility of extension depending on funding. Preferred schedule is either Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm or Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays (9am -5pm).
Major Responsibilities:
• Under the supervision of a licensed or accredited legal practitioner, provide clients with information about immigration benefits available through USCIS, work with clients to gather documents, and assist clients to complete applications.
• Respond to inquiries from clients regarding case status and submit inquiries on case status to USCIS and/or Department of State (DOS).
• Process correspondence from USCIS and DOS, including notifying clients, assisting clients to prepare responses to notices or evidence requests as appropriate, and following up with relevant parties.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date physical and electronic files and detailed case notes, enter required data in a timely manner, meet all case reporting requirements within established timelines and standards, and assist in the completion of statistical, narrative, and financial reports.
• Represent the IRC with clients, community members, and partners by receiving and returning phone calls and emails, scheduling appointments, supporting events (including group processing events), and conducting outreach for legal services.
• Maintain strict client confidentiality and observe all other ethical practices/obligations as outlined in IRC’s Immigration Program Policies Manual.
• Depending on the needs of the program and budget availability, and upon review of the Legal Services Technical Unit, legal supervisor, and Executive Director, may pursue Department of Justice accreditation by successfully completing all vital training.
Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment and with Limited English Proficient populations.
• Able to work effectively in a team environment, as well as take independent initiative
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfortable utilizing online software and programs.
• Excellent communication skills with proficiency in written and spoken English is required.
• Proficiency in Spanish strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated dedication to immigrant rights, social justice, and/or human rights based on work experience, volunteer service, or educational activities.
Preferred experience & skills:
• Previous experience with immigration, legal or social services is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with immigration software and experience with data entry and management are a plus.
• Community-based outreach and/or work promoting immigrant rights experience is preferred.
Working Environment:
• Standard office environment with occasional opportunities to participate in community outreach and legal assistance events.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
Compensation: (Pay Range: $23.00 – $23.00) Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
