Legal Representative

Job Description

Job Overview:

The Legal Representative is accredited by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) through IRC or is an attorney admitted to any state bar to represent clients in immigration matters before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The position also supports the coordination of service delivery through outreach and coordination of naturalization workshops (if applicable). Legal services focus on naturalization, adjustment of status, and family reunification.

Major Responsibilities:

- Represent immigration clients before USCIS. - Conduct client intake, provide eligibility determinations and advise clients accordingly, and communicate clearly with clients to gather documents and evidence. - Respond to inquiries from clients regarding case status and submit inquiries on case status to USCIS and 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 contribute to completion of funding proposals and statistical, narrative, and financial reports. - Maintain strict client confidentiality and observe all ethical practices/obligations as outlined in IRC's Immigration Program Policies Manual. - 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, conducting outreach for legal services, and developing partnerships. - Assess and make client referrals for other legal and/or social services as appropriate. - Collaborate with IRC team members locally and nationally on legal and programmatic issues. - Stay current on immigration law and policy as it pertains to IRC’s scope of services through trainings and continuing legal education. Maintain DOJ accreditation or bar admission by attending and keeping training records. - Manage intern and volunteers as needed.

Job Requirements:

- Undergraduate degree in relevant field. - Minimum of one year of related work experience in immigration legal services under the supervision of a DOJ accredited representative or immigration attorney, providing legal services to clients. - Experience with IRC’s immigration legal services commensurate with acquiring DOJ accreditation under IRC’s recognition and a demonstrated understanding of legal ethics standards. - Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment. - Works effectively as a member of a team and exercises independent judgment responsibly. - Excellent organizational and time management skills. - Demonstrated ability to incorporate standard methodologies into service delivery. - 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 is required. - Proficiency in Spanish or other languages of local client base strongly preferred.

Certificates or Licenses:

- Department of Justice accreditation with the IRC or admission to any state bar required.

Working Environment:

- Standard office environment with occasional participation in community outreach and legal assistance events. - May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

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.

#LI-GR1

Qualifications