Legal Representative

Job Overview:

The Legal Representative is accredited by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) through IRC 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. The Legal Representative must be accredited by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) through IRC or another DOJ-recognized organization.

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.
• 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 required. If current DOJ accreditation is not held at the IRC, must be willing/able to pursue and obtain timely accreditation through the IRC.

Working Environment***:***

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

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

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.

US Benefits: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12 month time period.