Immigration Legal Services Support

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world’s worst crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC has grown to operate in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, employing more than 14,000 staff members. The organization’s mission is to help those affected by conflict and disaster to recover and regain control of their future. The IRC is dedicated to providing essential services, including immigration legal services, to support the integration of immigrants and refugees into their new communities.

Job Overview:
The Immigration Legal Services Support position at the IRC plays a crucial role in assisting legal practitioners in providing essential legal representation and advice to immigrants and their families. This position is integral to the IRC's immigration legal services program, which serves over 14,000 individuals annually across 23 sites in the U.S. The primary focus of this role is to support clients in navigating the complexities of immigration processes, including naturalization, adjustment of status, and family reunification. The support provided includes gathering necessary documentation, completing applications, and responding to inquiries regarding case statuses. The position also involves conducting community-based naturalization workshops, thereby enhancing the accessibility of legal services to immigrant communities. The ideal candidate will be committed to immigrant rights and social justice, demonstrating a strong ability to work in a multicultural environment and effectively communicate with diverse populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Immigration Legal Services Support position include, but are not limited to:

• Providing clients with information about immigration benefits available through USCIS and assisting them in gathering necessary documents for their applications.
• Helping clients complete immigration applications accurately and efficiently.
• Responding to client inquiries regarding their case status and submitting inquiries to USCIS and/or the Department of State as needed.
• Processing correspondence from USCIS and DOS, including notifying clients of updates and assisting them in preparing responses to notices or evidence requests.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date physical and electronic files, ensuring detailed case notes are recorded.
• Entering required data in a timely manner and meeting all case reporting requirements within established timelines.
• Assisting in the completion of statistical, narrative, and financial reports as required.
• Representing the IRC in communications with clients, community members, and partners, including scheduling appointments and conducting outreach for legal services.
• Upholding strict client confidentiality and adhering to ethical practices as outlined in IRC’s Immigration Program Policies Manual. 1
• Depending on program needs and budget availability, pursuing Department of Justice accreditation by completing necessary training, subject to review by legal supervisors and the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Immigration Legal Services Support position include:

• A Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience in a related field.
• Demonstrated success in working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting while also taking independent initiative when necessary.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills are essential for managing case files and documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfort with utilizing online software and programs.
• Excellent communication skills, with proficiency in written and spoken English being mandatory.
• Proficiency in another language, particularly Spanish, is strongly preferred.
• A demonstrated dedication to immigrant rights, social justice, and/or human rights through work experience, volunteer service, or educational activities is highly valued.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Immigration Legal Services Support position should possess a Bachelor’s degree or have relevant work experience that demonstrates their capability to perform the duties required. Educational backgrounds in fields related to law, social work, or public policy are particularly beneficial, as they provide a foundational understanding of the legal and social issues faced by immigrants.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience in immigration legal services or social services, with previous experience in these areas being strongly preferred. Familiarity with immigration software and experience in data entry and management are also advantageous. Candidates should have a proven track record of community-based outreach or work promoting immigrant rights, which will enhance their effectiveness in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with clients and legal practitioners is essential. Additionally, proficiency in Spanish is strongly preferred, as it enables better service delivery to Spanish-speaking clients and enhances the IRC's outreach efforts within diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
The Immigration Legal Services Support 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 to accommodate client needs and program activities. The compensation for this position ranges from $26.00 to $27.00 per hour, with the exact offer being determined based on various factors including labor market conditions, job type, internal equity, and the candidate's experience and skills. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, and an Employee Assistance Program.