Job Overview:
The Immigration Legal Services Program at IRC provides essential legal representation and guidance to over 14,000 individuals across 23 locations in the United States each year. Our mission is to help immigrants and their families secure the highest possible immigration status, maintain family unity, access their rights, and successfully integrate into American society.
We are seeking a dedicated Immigration Legal Assistant to support our legal practitioners (attorneys and/or Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited representatives). This role will involve assisting clients before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and organizing community-based naturalization workshops. The position will primarily focus on providing legal services to refugees and other individuals, including individual legal screenings, naturalization applications, family-based immigrant petitions, adjustments of status, Special Immigrant self-petition adjustments, and affirmative asylum applications. We encourage staff in this role to pursue DOJ accreditation with the support of IRC’s Immigration Technical Unit.
Major Responsibilities:
- Assist clients in understanding immigration benefits available through USCIS, gather necessary documentation, and help complete applications under the supervision of a licensed or accredited legal practitioner.
- Respond to client inquiries regarding case status and communicate with USCIS and the Department of State (DOS) on their behalf.
- Process correspondence from USCIS and DOS, notify clients, assist them in preparing responses to requests for evidence, and follow up with relevant parties.
- Maintain accurate physical and electronic case files, enter data promptly, and meet all reporting requirements within established timelines.
- Represent IRC by communicating with clients, community members, and partners, scheduling appointments, supporting events, and conducting outreach for legal services.
- Uphold strict client confidentiality and adhere to ethical practices as outlined in IRC’s Immigration Program Policies Manual.
- Actively pursue DOJ accreditation by completing necessary training.
- Manage support from interns and volunteers as needed.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- A minimum of one year of professional experience in immigration services.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and with Limited English Proficient populations.
- Strong team collaboration skills and the ability to take independent initiative.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfort with online software.
- Strong communication skills, with proficiency in written and spoken English.
- A commitment to immigrant rights, social justice, or human rights demonstrated through work experience, volunteer service, or educational activities.
- A valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.
- Must possess or be eligible for a fingerprint clearance card in accordance with Arizona State Law.
Preferred Experience & Skills:
- Proficiency or fluency in Spanish, Dari, Pashto, and/or Farsi is highly preferred.
- Previous experience in immigration legal or social services is strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with immigration software and experience in data entry and management are advantageous.
- Experience in community outreach or promoting immigrant rights is preferred.
Working Environment:
- Standard office setting with occasional opportunities for community outreach and legal assistance events.
- May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
Compensation:
The pay range for this position is $20.16 per hour. Pay ranges are applicable to US-based candidates and are determined based on various factors including labor market conditions, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. Offers will be calibrated based on work location and individual candidate experience relative to job requirements.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through our website.
