Immigration Legal Assistant

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

The Immigration Legal Assistant assists Global Refuge's Immigration Legal Services program staff to serve multiethnic immigrants and refugees. Clients include asylum-seekers/asylees, parolees, refugees, SIVs, and other clients seeking humanitarian protection and family reunification. The Immigration Legal Assistant works closely with Immigration Legal Services Program staff and interpreters to deliver high-quality, trauma-informed immigration legal services to low-income clients. They will prepare applications and petitions for review by the Director of Legal Affairs, the Managing Attorney, and/or the Immigration Staff Attorneys.

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, welcome and respite services for asylum seekers, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. To date, we have served over 750,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as government, community, and faith partnerships.

Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:

• medical, dental, and vision available on the first day of employment,
• professional development, tuition reimbursement,
• generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays,
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave,
• company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately,
• Family Building benefits for reproductive procedures, adoption/foster care assistance, and
• an annual wellness benefit that can be customized to support your personal needs including funding enrichment classes, gym memberships, and healthy eating plans (to name a few) all in an inclusive and progressive environment!

At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty-it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

DUTIES

• Under attorney supervision, provide clients with information on immigration benefits before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), work with clients to gather required and supporting documents, and assist clients in completing applications.
• Work closely with interpreters and translation services to ensure client communications and documentation are in appropriate languages.
• Assist attorneys in client communication, drafting applications for relief, and following up with federal agencies including USCIS and the Department of State (DOS) regarding case status.
• Process correspondence from USCIS and DOS, including updating the immigration case management system, notifying clients, assisting clients in preparing responses to notices or Requests for Evidence, as appropriate, and following up with relevant parties.
• Respond to inquiries from clients regarding the status of cases pending with USCIS and DOS.
• Coordinate with attorney and client to help escalate cases to the CIS Ombudsman or seek Congressional case assistance.
• Make appropriate referrals to other service providers and relevant community partners.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date 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.
• Perform other administrative, data-collection tasks, and reporting duties as assigned.
• 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.
• Pursue Department of Justice accreditation by successfully completing the Comprehensive Overview of Immigration Law (COIL) and all other required training.
• Maintain a basic knowledge of relevant laws, policies, and trends in law affecting the target population.
• Maintain strict client confidentiality and observe all other ethical practices/obligations as outlined in the Global Refuge's Practice Manual.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Staff Attorney, Managing Attorney, and Director for Legal Affairs.
• Assist in the management of interns and volunteers, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent experience.
• Two (2) years of experience working in a legal or similar setting is preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in Spanish, Pashto, or Dari is strongly preferred.
• Meticulous organizational habits with an ability to manage caseloads, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills; experience working with clients, staff, and interns of diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to learning and promoting the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Understanding legal practice and pro bono culture is a plus.
• Computer proficiency including excellent MS Office Suite skills, particularly in Word and Excel, is required.
• Flexibility to adapt to program changes and client needs.
• Experience with and commitment to working in a fast-paced and diverse work environment.
• Deep commitment to Global Refuge's core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.
• Some travel is required.

Global Refuge is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We participate in E-Verify.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills, and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities. Global Refuge has been welcoming newcomers since 1939. Learn more at globalrefuge.org.