Immigration Legal Assistant, Family Reunification

Job Overview:

An essential part of IRC’s Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration (RAI) portfolio in the U.S., IRC’s immigration legal services program serves more than 14,000 individuals in 23 sites throughout the U.S. each year, providing accessible and critical legal representation and advice to immigrants and their families in order to acquire the highest level of immigration status available, keep families together, access their full rights, and successfully integrate in the U.S.

The position supports legal practitioners (attorneys and/or Department of Justice [DOJ] accredited representatives) in representing clients before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and conducting community-based outreach and workshops. Legal services focus on asylum, naturalization, adjustment of status, and family reunification.

Additionally, this hybrid position will require a unique emphasis on improving access to family reunification opportunities by managing completion and submission of family reunification applications within the Reception and Placement (R&P) program operated under contract with the Department of State (DOS) Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM). The position will identify current clients eligible to file such applications, conduct community outreach to advertise the programs to prospective clients, and work with clients to prepare and submit applications to Headquarters for further processing. It is encouraged that staff hired in this role will work towards DOJ accreditation with support from IRC’s Immigration Technical Unit based at IRC Headquarters.

Major Responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of the Managing Attorney, provide clients information on immigration benefits before USCIS, work with clients to gather documents, and assist clients to complete applications.
• 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.
• Assist in developing an outreach plan for current clients and prospective eligible clients in the broader community.
• Establish a strong referral mechanism in partnership with R&P and Legal Program staff to ensure clients wishing to file applications are successfully connected to and assisted in applying.
• Participate in training webinars hosted by IRC headquarters on family reunification programs of focus, including Lautenberg applications for eligible members of religious minorities from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) and Iran, Priority 3 (P3) Affidavits of Relationship (AORs), and Priority 2 (P2) Central American Minor (CAM) AORs.
• Complete applications in the IRIS database; monitor database for updates and corrections needed; communicate with IRC headquarters staff and applicants on any questions or corrections needed.
• 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.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.

· At least one year of experience in refugee resettlement or an immigration field is strongly preferred; knowledge of the US resettlement program and family reunification pathways preferred, ideally including lived 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.

· Fluency in written and spoken English and fluency in one of more languages of the local refugee community is required; Russian, Ukrainian, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, and/or Spanish language skills are strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated dedication to immigrant rights, social justice, and/or human rights based on work experience, volunteer service, or educational activities.

· Proven ability to take initiative as an individual contributor and to work as a member of a team to meet established targets.

· 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:**

· The IRC in Denver strives to offer a positive working environment, with intentional efforts to ensure that it is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible for all.

· Work is conducted typically conducted in a standard office work environment with some time spent in the community, primarily in neighborhoods where clients live and at local care providers. At present, remote work modifications are in place due to ensure staff and client safety given public health guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

· This role entails some travel in and around the Denver metro area to transport clients, facilitate service delivery and represent the IRC with clients and community partners.

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 new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

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.

Compensation and Benefits: This position is a full-time, non-exempt, regular position scheduled at 37.50 hours per week and eligible for overtime in accordance with state and federal laws. Compensation starts at $22.00-$24.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. This position is eligible for IRC’s comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

· Generous paid time off with 20 days of paid vacation per year, 10 days of paid sick leave per year (not inclusive of paid COVID leave), and at least 10 paid holidays per year.

· Outstanding medical insurance with employee contributions toward premiums starting at $120 per month.

· Dental insurance with employee contributions toward premiums starting at $7 per month.

· Vision care benefits with employee contributions toward premiums starting at $5 per month.

· Optional health care and dependent care flexible savings accounts and commuter benefits programs.

· Life, accident, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.

· A 403(b)-retirement savings plan that offers employer contributions and an immediately vested matching contribution program.

· A comprehensive employee assistance and resilience program that is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care when experiencing crisis or mental health struggles.

· A local office-level commitment to staff learning and growth, with an annual staff professional development account of at least $350 annually.