Legal Assistant

About the role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions.

IRC opened an office in Seattle in 1976 and provides a continuum of services including intensive case management, employment assistance, immigration services, health and wellness programming, and education support to refugee and immigrant families in Washington State. IRC Washington is committed to providing trauma-informed, equitable, and accessible services and maintaining and evolving a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace. This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement.

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 (Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited representatives) in representing clients before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and conducting community-based naturalization workshops. Legal services focus on naturalization, adjustment of status, and family reunification.

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of Legal Representatives, provide clients with information on immigration benefits before 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 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 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.
• Participate in all required trainings and webinars relevant to the job description.
• Manage intern and volunteer support as needed.

Requirements

• Degree in relevant field, or equivalent professional and/or lived experience.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment and with Limited English Proficient people.
• 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 and professional proficiency in Spanish is required.
• Demonstrated dedication to immigrant rights, social justice, and/or human rights based on work experience, volunteer service, or educational activities.
• Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning.

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. Currently IRC Seattle is a hybrid office/remote work environment. This position requires in-person, in-office work with the option of occasional remote work. May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Pay

$28 – $29.50 per hour. 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.

Benefits

• 10 days paid sick leave
• 10 U.S. holidays
• 20–25 days generous paid time off based on role and tenure
• Medical insurance starting at $163/month
• Dental starting at $6.50/month
• Vision starting at $5/month
• Flexible spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care, and commuter)
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) plus non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting)
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families