Bilingual 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, the IRC employs a diverse workforce dedicated to helping millions regain control of their lives and strengthen their communities. The IRC is recognized for its commitment to humanitarian principles and its effectiveness in providing support to vulnerable populations worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Bilingual Legal Assistant position is part of the IRC's Children’s Legal Services program, which provides legal representation to unaccompanied immigrant children who have been released from the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) or are residing in local Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URM) programs. The Legal Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting attorneys by coordinating client referrals, conducting interviews with unaccompanied children to explore options for asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile classification, or other forms of humanitarian relief. This position involves assisting with the preparation and filing of immigration applications and petitions, as well as managing program data and administrative tasks. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, particularly in trauma-informed communication with children, and will be highly organized with a keen attention to detail. The role requires the ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently on various assignments, contributing to the overall mission of the IRC to positively impact the lives of vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Bilingual Legal Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: coordinating and receiving case referrals, setting up new case files (both electronic and hard copy), recording referrals, and scheduling initial client meetings with attorneys. The assistant will conduct intakes or follow-up meetings with unaccompanied child clients, interpreting during these meetings as necessary, and gathering supporting documents. The role also involves preparing filings for the Seattle Immigration Court, Washington State Courts, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The assistant will communicate with clients to schedule appointments, provide case status updates, request documents, and manage other communications as needed. Additionally, the assistant will prepare affidavits, legal correspondence, and other documents for the attorneys, translate documents from Spanish to English, and interpret for client meetings or phone calls. Other responsibilities include processing daily mail, assisting with monthly data reporting submissions, preparing monthly invoicing documentation, tracking deadlines for the Children’s Legal Services team, and coordinating with other IRC program staff and community partners to refer clients for wrap-around services. The assistant will also provide interpretation for clients at USCIS interviews as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Bilingual Legal Assistant position should possess a Bachelor’s degree or have at least 3 years of experience or knowledge in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">immigration law, child welfare, family law, or juvenile justice law. Fluency in both Spanish and English, in reading, writing, and speaking, is required. While experience in a legal setting is highly desirable, it is not mandatory. Lived experience with the immigration legal system is also highly desired but not required. Experience working with children is considered a plus. Candidates should demonstrate excellent attention to detail, the ability to multi-task, and comfort in a fast-paced environment. The ability to work independently, solve problems, and exercise sound judgment is essential. A strong commitment to working with immigrants, children, and asylum seekers is crucial, along with trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills. Personal integrity in handling ethically complex and confidential situations is expected, as well as a commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning. Strong computer literacy, research, and analysis skills are also required, along with a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy, and the ability to travel frequently in and around the service area.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Bilingual Legal Assistant position includes a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as immigration law, child welfare, family law, or juvenile justice law. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of the legal issues faced by unaccompanied immigrant children and their families.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have either a Bachelor’s degree or at least 3 years of relevant experience in the fields of immigration law, child welfare, family law, or juvenile justice law. While prior experience in a legal setting is highly desirable, it is not a strict requirement. Candidates with lived experience within the immigration legal system are preferred, as this can provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by clients. Experience working with children is also beneficial, as the role involves direct interaction with unaccompanied minors.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English is mandatory for this position, encompassing reading, writing, and speaking skills. This bilingual capability is crucial for effectively communicating with clients and assisting in legal processes. While proficiency in additional languages may be advantageous, Spanish and English are the primary languages required for this role.

Additional Notes:
The Bilingual Legal Assistant position is anticipated to be funded through July 31, 2026, with continuation subject to ongoing funding availability. The working environment is primarily a standard office setting, with occasional community outreach and legal assistance events or client meetings at public locations. The position offers hybrid, flexible work options, and may require occasional weekend and/or evening work. If an applicant opts for a hybrid work schedule, they must have a suitable home or alternate workspace to effectively complete their work during regular hours. The compensation for this role ranges from $28.00 to $32.00 per hour, with pay ranges applicable to U.S.-based candidates and determined by various factors including labor market conditions, 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.