Senior Immigration Legal Assistant

Job Description

Job Overview:

The Senior Immigration Legal Assistant supports the provision of immigration legal services and the work of attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives in both Richmond and Charlottesville. The Senior Immigration Legal Assistant provides client services, supports program operations, and helps build the team’s capacity. This role coordinates support for a team of immigration legal assistants, interns, and volunteers, which may include trainings, mentoring, outreach, and supervision of interns and volunteers. Under the supervision of the Program Manager, Immigration, this role contributes to monitoring efforts and the provision of quality services. It is expected that staff in this role will have completed a significant amount of the required training to apply for DOJ accreditation.

Legal Assistant Responsibilities: Under the supervision of an attorney and/or DOJ accredited representative, provide clients information on immigration benefits before USCIS, work with clients to gather documents, and assist clients to complete applications. Respond to inquiries from clients regarding case status and submit inquiries on case status to USCIS and 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 community outreach for legal services. Maintain strict client confidentiality and observe all other ethical practices/obligations as outlined in IRC’s Immigration Program Policies Manual. Pursue Department of Justice accreditation by successfully completing all vital training; participate in training webinars hosted by IRC headquarters on family reunification programs available through DOS programs.

Team Leadership Responsibilities: Train incoming immigration legal assistants, volunteers and interns on program operations. Assist with updating and maintaining immigration team training materials. Provide non-legal guidance to team members as needed. In collaboration with the supervising attorney or accredited representative, coordinate periodic immigration team trainings, mentoring and professional development opportunities with a goal of supporting staff professional development and IRC organizational priorities. Provide day-to-day supervision of interns and volunteers. Design outreach strategy to immigrants in the community to advise them of the availability of IRC’s immigration services and target populations eligible for specific new immigration benefits. Lead team in implementation of strategy, including development of partnerships. Support Program Manager, Immigration, with quality assurance efforts such as file review, data review, and reporting requirements. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or equivalent work experience. Demonstrated success providing immigration legal services under the supervision of a DOJ accredited representative or immigration attorney with demonstrated ability to serve a caseload and perform cross-cutting tasks that support a team. Demonstrated success developing and cultivating community partnerships; knowledge of immigration services providers in the local area preferred. Proven success working with all levels of staff in a multicultural environment to achieve goals. Self- starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively. Excellent communication skills with proficiency in written and spoken English is required. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook). Demonstrated dedication to immigrant rights, social justice, and/or human rights based on work experience, volunteer service, or educational activities