Immigration Legal Assistant

About the role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) seeks a limited term, part-time position to support legal practitioners in representing clients before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This position focuses on naturalization, adjustment of status, and family reunification.

Responsibilities

• Provide clients with information about immigration benefits available through USCIS
• Work with clients to gather documents and assist in completing applications
• Respond to inquiries from clients regarding case status and submit inquiries to USCIS and/or Department of State (DOS)
• Process correspondence from USCIS and DOS, including notifying clients and preparing responses to notices or evidence requests
• 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 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, 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
• Pursue Department of Justice accreditation by successfully completing all vital training, depending on the needs of the program and budget availability

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)
• 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
• 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

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Previous experience with immigration, legal or social services
• Familiarity with immigration software and experience with data entry and management
• Community-based outreach and/or work promoting immigrant rights experience

Job Type

Part-time, 20-22.5 hours per week for 12 months, with possibility of extension depending on funding.

Preferred Schedule

Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm or Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays (9am -5pm).

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.)

Additional Information

Standard office environment with occasional opportunities to participate in community outreach and legal assistance events. May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.