Description
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more at www.irco.org.
POSITION: Paralegal
JOB CLASS/GRADE: Coordinator 1 / Specialist 2; Grade 7
WAGE: Starting at $52,488 per year based on experience
FLSA; EEO; WC: Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864
LOCATIONS: IRCO - Pacific Islander & Asian Family Center (PIAFC) 8040 NE Sandy Blvd Portland, OR 97213
FTE; FT/PT; STATUS: 1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular (Limited duration position through
September 30, 2026. Contract continuation variable.)
NUMBER OF POSITIONS: (1)
APPLY AT: www.irco.org
STATUS: Full-Time with Benefits
PROGRAM(S): Immigration Legal Services
SECTOR: Legal Services
Requirements
English fluency required. Bilingual in Pashto and/or Dari strongly preferred
1 year of experience in a legal assistant / law clerk / paralegal / administrative assistant role
Must be able to pass extensive background check
Program Summary
The mission of the Legal Services team is to provide direct legal services to our most vulnerable community members. The Legal Services team envisions a safe and welcoming Oregon for immigrants and refugees. We are a multidisciplinary team with Immigration Law, Disability Law, and Family Law units. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with attorneys and paralegals with various specialties, credentials, and experiences across these disciplines.
The Immigration Legal Services (ILS) team helps clients pursue a wide range of immigration benefits, including naturalization, lawful permanent residence, work authorization, asylum, parole, and other forms of humanitarian or family-based relief. ILS represents clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), also known as immigration court.
Position Summary
IRCO Immigration Legal Services (IRCO ILS) seeks to hire a full-time Immigration Paralegal. This position has an end date of September 30, 2026, but there is potential for continuation, dependent on funding. A re-interview may be required. The Immigration Paralegal will support one or more attorneys or DOJ Accredited Representatives with their caseload. This includes communicating with clients, collecting documents, form-filling and preparing immigration application materials, and maintaining client records.
Essential Functions
- Gather evidence and documents including identity documents, proof of physical presence/residency, proof of work history, verification of public benefits, medical records, immigration documents, and more
- Complete initial drafts of immigration forms for a variety of immigration matters including naturalization, adjustment of status, temporary protected status, asylum, family petition, and employment authorization
- Compile all application materials, including cover letters, completed forms, and evidence to be reviewed, approved, and submitted by an attorney or DOJ Accredited Representative
- Communicate with USCIS, EOIR, other agencies, and ILS clients to progress legal cases
- Coordinate and schedule appointments
- Record case management data, in a timely manner, in physical files, OneDrive, and LawLab in accordance with laws, OSB/ABA/industry standards, and IRCO ILS procedures
- Conduct legal research and draft legal briefs
Secondary Functions
- Support with the planning of legal clinics, know your rights presentations, and other community education and engagement events.
- Leverage bilingual skills to provide interpretation for eligibility screenings, consultations, client meetings, etc.
Requirements
Education & Experience
Minimum Job Specific Qualifications
- 1 year of experience in a legal assistant / law clerk / paralegal / administrative assistant (preferably in a law office) role
- Experience working with immigrant and refugee communities
- Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to work independently
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong preference will be given to candidates with 3-4+ years of experience as a Legal Assistant / Law Clerk / Paralegal in an immigration legal services provider office
- Fluent in Dari and/or Pashto
- Paralegal Certificate
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Self-starting with a flexible growth mindset
- Strong community focused, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
- Compassionate and patient when dealing with challenging parties or situations
- Ability to use basic office equipment, telephone, copy machine, fax machine, and computer
- Ability to talk on the phone and/or use computer for long periods of time
- Familiar with Excel and spreadsheet management
Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements
- Physical: Positions at this level require minimal physical effort such as light lifting, carrying or movement, etc. Physical capability involves use of office or equipment where some agility and hand eye coordination is needed.
- Mental: There is minimal variation in tasks. The job holder is free to determine in which order tasks are completed but cannot choose to not complete a task.
- Environment: This level has a work environment that is well protected, with virtually no hazards or obstacles. There is very little element of personal risk or hazard. Job conditions are stable, usually well managed, and very comfortable.
- Schedule: The work schedule is mostly stable and does not fluctuate without prior notice.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions, or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers.
What We Offer
IRCO is a very employee-friendly workplace and offers great benefit package to our staff:
- Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
- Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
- Work that helps your community
- 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year
- 401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting
- 3% match for student loans or college savings
- 12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
- Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
- Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance
- Flexible spending account
Required Engagement
Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO’s mission, vision, and values-based initiatives.
How To Apply
- Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.
- Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.
- For questions about this position, please email jobs@irco.org
Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO’s main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application.
IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by State and Federal law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.
Salary Description
Starting at $52,488 per year based on experience
