Bilingual Legal Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Bilingual Legal Assistant
Location: Denver
Country: United States
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that helps people affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, providing assistance to millions of people each year. The organization is committed to helping those in need, particularly refugees and displaced individuals, by offering a range of services including legal assistance, health care, education, and economic development. The IRC values diversity and inclusion, striving to create a workplace that reflects the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Bilingual Legal Assistant position at IRC Denver is a vital role within a new legal services program aimed at providing legal representation to unaccompanied children who have been released from the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and are now living with sponsors in the Denver metro area. This position requires a bilingual individual who can effectively communicate in both Spanish and English, as the Legal Assistant will be responsible for conducting intakes to identify potential legal options for these children, including asylum and special immigrant juvenile status. The role demands a high level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team while also being capable of handling tasks independently. The Legal Assistant will support the Children’s Staff Attorney and Managing Attorney in various legal processes, ensuring that the children receive the necessary legal guidance and support during their transition.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Bilingual Legal Assistant will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: assisting in the provision of Know Your Rights (KYR) presentations to children in ORR custody, conducting intakes and follow-up meetings with unaccompanied child clients, gathering supporting documents, and preparing translations. The assistant will also prepare filings for immigration court, Asylum Office, and USCIS, provide interpretation for clients during USCIS interviews, and manage case files both in paper and electronic formats. Additionally, the Legal Assistant will coordinate with other IRC program staff to provide comprehensive services, communicate with clients regarding case updates, prepare legal documents, translate documents from Spanish to English, and track deadlines for the Children’s Legal Services team while preparing monthly reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Bilingual Legal Assistant position should possess an undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience in the legal field. Fluency in both Spanish and English is mandatory. While experience in a legal setting is highly desirable, it is not a strict requirement. Experience working with children is also preferred but not essential. Previous experience with immigration legal or social services is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent attention to detail, the ability to multi-task, and comfort in a fast-paced environment. Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently are essential, along with a commitment to working with immigrants and children, and a trauma-informed approach to communication.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience in the legal field. This foundational education is crucial for understanding the legal processes and requirements involved in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">immigration law and the specific needs of unaccompanied children seeking legal assistance.

Experience:
While specific experience in a legal setting is highly desirable, it is not mandatory for this position. However, candidates with experience working with children or in immigration legal or social services will be preferred. The role requires a demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, showcasing problem-solving skills and sound judgment in various situations.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English is a mandatory requirement for this position. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with clients and for providing accurate translations of legal documents. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The working environment for this position is primarily a standard office setting, with occasional community outreach and legal assistance events. The position offers hybrid and flexible work options, requiring regular visits to ORR children’s facilities and may involve occasional weekend and/or evening work. Compensation for this role is based on various factors, including labor market conditions, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The IRC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion, and provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the application and interview process. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program.