Immigration Legal Assistant

International Rescue Committee

2mo ago

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Junior Level
Legal
Atlanta

Requirements

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
Work Experience:
Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment and with Limited English Proficient populations.
Previous experience with immigration legal or social services is strongly preferred.
Community-based outreach and/or work promoting immigrant rights experience is preferred.
Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:
Familiarity with immigration software and experience with data entry and management are a plus.
Demonstrated dedication to immigrant rights, social justice, and/or human rights based on work experience, volunteer service, or educational activities.
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 or fluency in Fluent in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by client group is desired (such as, but not limited to: Spanish, Amharic, Dari, Pashto, Arabic, French, Haitian-Creole).

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of a licensed or accredited legal practitioner, provide clients 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 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.
Participate in training webinars hosted by IRC headquarters on family reunification programs of focus, including Lautenberg applications and/or P3 AORs and/or P2 CAM AORs.
Communicate program eligibility and requirements to clients; collect documentation from clients to complete applications on their behalf.
Complete applications in the IRIS database; monitor database for updates and corrections needed; communicate with IRC headquarters staff on any questions or corrections needed.
Track applications to respond to client inquiries after submission.
Pursue Department of Justice accreditation by successfully completing all vital training.
Manage intern and volunteer support as needed.
Other duties as assigned.

FAQs

What is the primary role of the Immigration Legal Assistant at IRC?

The primary role of the Immigration Legal Assistant at IRC is to support legal practitioners in providing legal representation and advice to immigrants, assisting them in acquiring immigration status, keeping families together, and facilitating their integration into the U.S.

What are the major responsibilities of the Immigration Legal Assistant?

Major responsibilities include providing information on immigration benefits, assisting clients in completing applications, responding to inquiries regarding case status, maintaining accurate files, conducting outreach, maintaining client confidentiality, participating in training, and managing intern and volunteer support.

What kind of educational background is required for this position?

A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required for the Immigration Legal Assistant position.

Is previous experience in immigration legal services required?

While previous experience with immigration legal or social services is strongly preferred, it is not explicitly stated as a requirement; however, demonstrated success in a multicultural environment and community outreach experience are valued.

What skills and competencies are beneficial for this role?

Beneficial skills include familiarity with immigration software, dedication to immigrant rights and social justice, teamwork and independent initiative, organizational abilities, proficiency in Microsoft Office, excellent communication skills in English, and proficiency in additional languages spoken by client groups.

What does the working environment look like for this position?

The working environment is a standard office setting with occasional participation in community outreach and legal assistance events, and it may require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Will I receive support in pursuing DOJ accreditation?

Yes, the position encourages staff to work towards DOJ accreditation with support from IRC’s Immigration Technical Unit based at headquarters.

Are there any specific software skills required for this role?

While familiarity with immigration software is a plus, proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfort with using online software and programs are required.

What is the IRC's mission in relation to this role?

The IRC's mission is to respond to humanitarian crises by helping people restore health, safety, education, economic well-being, and power to those affected by conflict and disaster, thereby positively impacting the lives of refugees and immigrants.

How many individuals does IRC's immigration legal services program serve annually?

IRC's immigration legal services program serves more than 14,000 individuals in 23 locations throughout the U.S. each year.

International Rescue Committee

We respond to the world’s worst humanitarian crises & help people to survive, recover, and gain control of their future.

Non-profit

Industry

5001-10,000

Employees

1933

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and help people to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees and displaced people forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40+ countries and in 29 U.S. cities, the IRC restores safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure.