Immigration Legal Assistant

International Rescue Committee • Full-time • Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States • 3d ago

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. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

This role is only open to internal IRC employees.

The position supports legal practitioners (attorneys and/or Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited representatives) in representing clients before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and conducting community-based workshops and legal orientations, including support for pro-se asylum applications among Haitian entrants. Legal services focus on asylum, family reunification, employment authorization and other eligible immigration benefits.

Major Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of a licensed or accredited legal practitioner, provide clients with information about immigration benefits available through 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/or 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.
Depending on the needs of the program and budget availability, and upon review of the Legal Services Technical Unit, legal supervisor, and Executive Director, may pursue Department of Justice accreditation by successfully completing all vital training.

Job 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) and comfortable utilizing online software and programs.
Excellent communication skills with proficiency in written and spoken English and Haitian Creole is required.
Additional proficiency in Spanish is a plus.
Demonstrated dedication to immigrant rights, social justice, and/or human rights based on work experience, volunteer service, or educational activities.

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.
May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Compensation: 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer: 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.

US Benefits: We offer the following benefits to short term employees in the US: 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, sick leave, 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.

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.