Immigration Legal Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The organization aims to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a mission to deliver lasting impact, IRC employees work tirelessly to restore safety, dignity, and hope to millions of people globally. The IRC's immigration legal services program assists more than 14,000 individuals annually across 23 sites in the U.S., providing essential legal representation and advice to immigrants and their families, helping them navigate the complexities of immigration status and integration into American society.

Job Overview:
The Immigration Legal Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting legal practitioners, including attorneys and Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited representatives, in representing clients before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This position is particularly focused on providing legal services to Afghan parolees, which encompasses a variety of tasks such as conducting orientations, individual screenings, and assisting with family-based immigrant petitions and adjustments of status. The assistant will also be involved in affirmative asylum applications and other pathways to permanent residency that may arise. A significant aspect of this role is the encouragement for staff to pursue DOJ accreditation, with support from IRC’s Immigration Technical Unit based at the organization's headquarters. The Immigration Legal Assistant is expected to engage actively with clients, ensuring they receive the necessary information and assistance to navigate their immigration processes effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Immigration Legal Assistant include, but are not limited to: providing clients with information about immigration benefits available through USCIS under the supervision of a licensed or accredited legal practitioner; assisting clients in gathering necessary documents and completing applications; responding to client inquiries regarding case status and submitting inquiries to USCIS and/or the Department of State (DOS); processing correspondence from USCIS and DOS, including notifying clients and assisting them in preparing responses to notices or evidence requests; maintaining accurate and up-to-date physical and electronic files, detailed case notes, and entering required data in a timely manner; meeting all case reporting requirements within established timelines and standards; representing the IRC with clients, community members, and partners by managing communications, scheduling appointments, supporting events, and conducting outreach for legal services; maintaining strict client confidentiality and adhering to ethical practices as outlined in IRC’s Immigration Program Policies Manual; pursuing DOJ accreditation by completing necessary training; and managing intern and volunteer support as needed.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Immigration Legal Assistant position include a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Candidates should demonstrate success in working and communicating effectively within a multicultural environment and with Limited English Proficient populations. Previous experience in immigration legal services or social services is strongly preferred, along with experience in community-based outreach or promoting immigrant rights. Candidates should possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively both in a team environment and independently. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfort with online software and programs are essential. Excellent communication skills, particularly in written and spoken English, are required, along with a demonstrated dedication to immigrant rights, social justice, and/or human rights through work experience, volunteer service, or educational activities. Familiarity with immigration software and experience in data entry and management are considered a plus.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field to qualify for the Immigration Legal Assistant position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the foundational knowledge necessary to assist clients effectively in navigating the complexities of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">immigration law and procedures.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have demonstrated experience working in a multicultural environment and effectively communicating with Limited English Proficient populations. Previous experience in immigration legal services or social services is strongly preferred, as is experience in community-based outreach or promoting immigrant rights. This experience is crucial for understanding the challenges faced by clients and providing them with the necessary support and guidance.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency or fluency in Dari, Pashto, and/or Farsi is strongly preferred, as these languages are relevant to the client population the Immigration Legal Assistant will be serving.

Additional Notes:
The Immigration Legal Assistant position is based in a standard office environment, with occasional opportunities to participate in community outreach and legal assistance events. The role may require occasional weekend and/or evening work. The compensation for this position ranges from $20.00 to $21.00 per hour, with the posted pay ranges applicable to U.S.-based candidates. These ranges are determined by various factors, including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including sick days, paid time off, medical and dental insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program. The IRC is committed to equal opportunity employment and considers all applicants based on 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.