Legal Assistant (35085)

Responsibilities

• Meets with clients both in-person and telephonically and prepares applications for review.
• Prepares filings for individuals before the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and others.
• Handles incoming and outgoing mail remotely.
• Gathers supporting documents and prepares translations.
• Assumes general administrative responsibilities, including detailed case management and timekeeping.
• Gathers, tracks and records client data.
• Manages both electronic and paper case files including client case log.
• Conducts initial interviews (“Legal Screenings”) in accordance with RAICES policy: Screens clients for persecution, trafficking, and torture utilizing trauma-informed approaches to provide services and support to clients.
• Provides referrals for released clients in accordance with RAICES policy.
• Affords support to Advocacy efforts and community outreach.
• May Provide Pro Se assistance to prospective clients.
• May conduct Know Your Rights Presentation using approved material.
• May travel to detention facilities/shelters and other locations locally and/or statewide, as needed.
• May provide support to volunteers.
• All additional responsibilities required by the unit.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or one year experience in a law office setting or working with the relevant community or population.
• Grant requirements may include bilingual (English/Spanish) fluency.
• Experience in immigration and/or criminal law.
• Preferred Qualifications: Bilingual or multilingual preferred, Experience in immigration and/or criminal law.

Attributes

• Must demonstrate behavior that aligns with RAICES’ mission, vision, and values – Empowerment, Excellence, Compassion, Inclusion and being proactive.
• Able to communicate cross-culturally and work in a multicultural setting with patience and compassion with diverse individuals.
• Highly organized with ability to implement systems and follow-up processes.
• Able to effectively work under pressure, use independent judgment.
• Comfortable speaking to immigration officers, if needed.
• Able to conduct home visits, if needed.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and public speaking skills.
• Able to work productively and independently in a fast-paced environment and to problem solve and think and act nimbly.