Legal Assistant, Children's Legal Services - Silver Spring, United States - International Rescue Committee

International Rescue Committee

Verified Company

Silver Spring, United States

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Mark Lane

beBee recruiter

Description

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster.

Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and more than 25 U.S.

cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees delivers lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions.

If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Background/Overview:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a
bilingual Legal Assistant to join its Children's Legal Services program which provides legal representation to unaccompanied immigrant children who have been released from the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and reunified with sponsors in Maryland.

Since its inception in 1933, the IRC delivers lasting impact to refugees fleeing from war or disaster by offering lifesaving care, life-changing assistance, and empowering individuals and communities to become self-reliant.

the IRC has a presence in over 50 countries and 28 offices in the United States; the IRC leads the way from harm to home.

IRC opened an office in Silver Spring MD in 2006 joining its Baltimore MD office and provides a continuum of services including intensive case management, employment and economic empowerment services, immigration assistance, case management, and education support to asylees and refugees in Maryland.

The Children's Legal Services program is the first program in Maryland to offer full legal representation to unaccompanied minors in removal proceedings.

IRC Silver Spring is committed to providing trauma-informed, equitable, and accessible services and maintaining and evolving a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace.

Major Responsibilities:

Coordinate and receive case referrals, setting up new case files (both electronic and hard copy), recording referrals, and setting up initial client meetings with attorneys.
Assist in conducting intakes or followup meetings with unaccompanied child clients, occasional interpreting at the meetings, and gathering supporting documents. Some meetings may require local travel;
Assist in preparing filings for the Immigration Court, Maryland State courts, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);
Communicate with clients to schedule appointments, provide case status updates as directed by the attorneys, request documents and other information, schedule appointments, and manage other communication, as needed;
Assist attorneys with drafts of affidavits, legal correspondence, and other documents for the Children's Attorneys, Managing Attorney, and other legal staff;
Translate documents from Spanish to English and client communications from English to Spanish, as needed;
Process and record daily mail; assist with monthly data reporting submissions and checking; prepare monthly invoicing documentation; track deadlines for the Children's Legal Services team; and prepare monthly reports as needed;
Coordinate with other IRC program staff and community partners to refer clients for wraparound services, where appropriate, and prepare referral packages for children who move out of local jurisdiction;

Key Working Relationships:

Reports to:
Managing Attorney, Children's Legal Services

Essential Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or 3 years' experience/knowledge in the field of immigration law or child welfare, family, or juvenile justice law.
Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking both Spanish and English required.

Desired Qualifications:

Experience in a legal setting highly desirable, but not required;
Lived experience with the immigration legal system highly desired, but not required;
Experience working with children highly desirable, but not required;
Excellent attention to detail, ability to multitask, and comfortable working in a fastpaced environment;
Demonstrated ability to work independently, solve problems and exercise sound judgement;
Evidence of capacity to be a strong team member in a highly collaborative social services environment;
Deep commitment to working with immigrants, children, and asylum seekers;
Traumainformed and sensitive listening and communication skills;
Personal integrity in handling ethically complex and confidential situations;
Commitment to antiracism and ongoing learning; and
Strong computer literacy, research, and analysis skills.

Working Environment: