Immigration Legal Assistant
Company: Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
Location: Baltimore
Posted on: September 2, 2024
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Job Description:
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.
Keywords: Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Baltimore , Immigration Legal Assistant, Legal , Baltimore, Maryland
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