Immigration Legal Assistant

Position Summary

The Legal Assistant serves as an assistant to the Director of Immigration Services and is responsible for administrative duties and assisting clients as directed by the Director.

Essential Responsibilities

• Schedule consultations and assist with preparing for Immigration Court and USCIS proceedings.
• Inform prospective clients, agency or other service providers of services offered by Immigration Services.
• On behalf of the Director, contact Immigration Court to obtain information or the status of a pending case.
• Prepare immigration applications on behalf of the client which will be reviewed by the Director.
• Maintain regular communication with clients and mailing of correspondences.
• Ensure phone calls and emails are returned within 24 hours.
• Absorb and manage case files.
• Prepare and draft written correspondences in both English and Spanish.
• Provide translation of certain documents when needed by the client.
• Communicate with the Director to discuss issues and case status on pending cases.
• Collect clients' fees and issue receipts for services.
• Reconcile money collected and submit funds to Finance.
• Record money collected in the database.
• Inform Finance Department of receivables.
• Order office supplies for the program when needed.
• Serve as a backup to the Receptionist when needed.
• Adhere to CCSN's standards of conduct, required level of professionalism, and all standard operation procedures.
• Protect all confidential information, company property and electronic data.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Bilingual in English and Spanish is mandatory.
• Knowledge of the immigration system and immigration laws.
• Ability to work as a team member and take direction from the Director to ensure each case is in compliance with agency, EOIR, DHS, USCIS and BIA.
• Work under pressure and handle stressful situations effectively.
• Prioritize work and meet necessary deadlines.
• Capable of setting boundaries with clients, being professional, and compassionate.
• Knowledge of local social service providers.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural setting.
• Sound judgement with ability to work autonomously.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication as well as organizational skills.
• Proficiency in computers and software including Microsoft Office.
• Experience in Lawlogix is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Service field from an accredited college or university preferred.
• Minimum of three years of work experience in immigration legal setting or other combination of education and related equivalent experience.
• Flexible schedule to work after hours and weekends, as necessary.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily works in an office environment, but will also work throughout the agency and off-site.
• Ability to communicate with immigration clients, social service providers, volunteers, and co-workers.
• Ability to operate and use office equipment, especially computer, keyboard, mouse and copy machine.
• Ability to continuously sit and/or stand.
• Ability to climb stairs as needed.
• May occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Compliance

• This position pays $22.00 per hour.
• CSSN is a drug free and equal opportunity employer.
• All employees must successfully complete a drug test and background check prior to employment.