Job Overview:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was founded in 1933 to assist individuals whose lives and livelihoods have been shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. The IRC is at work today in more than 40 countries and in 26 U.S. cities providing a myriad of immigration legal services. The IRC’s Resettlement, Asylum and Integration (RAI) department creates opportunities for refugees and other vulnerable migrants to survive and thrive in America. RAI serves more than 50,000 individuals each year in the US through a diverse, holistic portfolio of programs aimed at achieving client-centered outcomes in five impact areas: Health, Safety, Economic Wellbeing, Education, and Power.
IRC seeks a legal assistant to provide legal assistance to vulnerable individuals in Midland, Texas. IRC has seen a large Cuban population in need of legal assistance in Midland Texas. The Legal Assistant will work collaboratively with IRC’s Abilene Office and the Technical Unit for Legal Services to provide legal orientations and clinic assistance to the Cuban population of Midland. The position is based in Abilene with frequent trips to Midland Texas.
Major Responsibilities:
- Under the supervision of a licensed legal practitioner schedule and provide Legal Orientations for individuals in Midland to provide clients with information about immigration benefits available through USCIS, work with clients to gather documents, and assist clients to complete applications.
- Under the supervision of a licensed legal practitioner, schedule and facilitate clinic workshops for USCIS applications
- Respond to inquiries from clients regarding case status and submit inquiries on case status to USCIS and/or Department of State (DOS).
- Process correspondence from USCIS and DOS, including notifying clients, assisting clients to prepare responses to notices or evidence requests as appropriate, and following up with relevant parties.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date physical and electronic files and detailed case notes, enter required data in a timely manner, meet all case reporting requirements within established timelines and standards, and assist in the completion of statistical, narrative, and financial reports.
- Represent the IRC with clients, community members, and partners by receiving and returning phone calls and emails, scheduling appointments, supporting events (including group processing events), and conducting outreach for legal services.
- Maintain strict client confidentiality and observe all other ethical practices/obligations as outlined in IRC’s Immigration Program Policies Manual.
- Manage intern and volunteer support as needed.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience
- Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment and with Limited English Proficient populations.
- Able to work effectively in a team environment, as well as take independent initiative
- Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfortable utilizing online software and programs.
- Excellent communication skills with proficiency in written and spoken English and Spanish is required.
- Demonstrated dedication to immigrant rights, social justice, and/or human rights based on work experience, volunteer service, or educational activities.
- Ability to travel to Midland/Odessa two times a month required
Preferred experience & skills:
- Previous experience with immigration legal or social services is strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with immigration software and experience with data entry and management are a plus.
- Community-based outreach and/or work promoting immigrant rights experience is preferred.
Working Environment:**
Standard office environment with occasional opportunities to participate in community outreach and legal assistance events.
May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.