Bilingual Legal Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that was established in 193

• The IRC responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. With a mission to help those affected by conflict and disaster, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, employing thousands of staff members who are dedicated to providing assistance and support to vulnerable populations. The organization focuses on various areas including health, education, economic wellbeing, and protection, particularly for women and children. The IRC is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability in its operations, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.

Job Overview:
The Bilingual Legal Assistant position is part of the IRC's Children’s Legal Services program, which is dedicated to providing legal representation to unaccompanied immigrant children. This role is crucial in supporting attorneys by coordinating client referrals, conducting interviews with children to assess their legal options, and assisting with the preparation and filing of immigration applications. The Legal Assistant will also handle administrative tasks related to data management and recordkeeping. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, particularly in trauma-informed communication, and will be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. This position is expected to be funded through July 31, 2026, with continuation dependent on ongoing funding availability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Bilingual Legal Assistant will have a variety of responsibilities including: coordinating and receiving case referrals, setting up new case files (both electronic and hard copy), and recording referrals. They will assist in conducting intakes or follow-up meetings with unaccompanied child clients, interpreting during these meetings as needed, and gathering necessary supporting documents. The role involves preparing filings for Immigration Court, Georgia State Courts, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The assistant will communicate with clients to schedule appointments, provide updates on case statuses, and manage other communications. They will prepare affidavits, legal correspondence, and other documents for the attorneys, translate documents from Spanish to English, and vice versa. The assistant will also process daily mail, assist with monthly data reporting, track deadlines, and prepare monthly reports. Additionally, they will coordinate with other IRC program staff and community partners to refer clients for wrap-around services and provide interpretation for clients at USCIS interviews as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must 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 is required, with strong reading, writing, and speaking skills. While experience in a legal setting is highly desirable, it is not mandatory. Lived experience with the immigration legal system is also highly valued but not required. Candidates should demonstrate excellent attention to detail, the ability to multi-task, and comfort in a fast-paced environment. They must show the ability to work independently, solve problems, and exercise sound judgment. A commitment to working with immigrants, children, and asylum seekers is essential, along with trauma-informed communication skills and personal integrity in handling confidential situations.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, or alternatively, candidates may qualify with three years of relevant experience in immigration law or related fields. This educational background ensures that the candidate has a foundational understanding of the legal issues and challenges faced by unaccompanied immigrant children.

Experience:
The position requires either a Bachelor’s degree or three years of relevant experience in immigration law, child welfare, family law, or juvenile justice law. Experience in a legal setting is highly desirable but not mandatory. Candidates with lived experience in the immigration legal system are preferred, as this can provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by clients. Experience working with children is also highly desirable, as the role involves direct interaction with unaccompanied minors.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English is mandatory for this position. Candidates must be able to read, write, and speak both languages proficiently. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in a standard office environment but may require occasional participation in community outreach and legal assistance events or client meetings at public locations. The role offers hybrid, flexible work options, and may require occasional weekend and/or evening work. If an applicant chooses to work a hybrid schedule, they must have a suitable home or alternate workspace. The position is represented by the OPEIU union and is subject to collective bargaining agreements. Compensation for this role ranges from $20.20 to $22.50 per hour, depending on various factors including labor market conditions, job type, and individual candidate experience. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and adheres to professional standards that promote integrity, service, equality, and accountability.