Legal Assistant, Immigrant Rights Program, Red Bank

BACKGROUND:

The American Friends Service Committee promotes a longstanding Quaker concern for the causes and impact of human migration. Since 1988, the Immigrant Rights Program based in New Jersey has worked to increase the protection of the rights of immigrants and refugees through legal representation, community education, community organizing, monitoring of rights, advocacy, and training.

Since 1996, the AFSC has provided legal counseling and representation to thousands of immigrants, including people in detention, asylum seekers, youth, families, and survivors of domestic violence and other crimes. AFSC has also conducted training sessions and education to immigrant communities, social service providers and attorneys in New Jersey.

SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Legal Assistant will be part of a team providing immigration legal services to low- income immigrants in Monmouth and Ocean Counties including survivors of domestic violence and other crimes. The Legal Assistant is responsible for maintaining a client caseload, and prepares forms, applications, and letters to be submitted to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), under the direction of the Managing Attorney.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: The key responsibilities of the Legal Assistant include the following:

1. Under the direction of the Managing Attorney, conduct consultations with community members to determine eligibility for various immigration benefits, with a primary focus on family-based immigration, VAWA and U-visas, adjustment of status and naturalization applications. Complete applications using Docketwise forms and case management system and submit to USCIS.

2. Conduct bi-monthly consultations with referred community members at the Monmouth County Family Justice Center.

3. Manage caseload and maintain client files in good working order including maintaining up to date information on casework in our case management system, and prepare periodic reports on casework, including statistical data.

4. Respond to calls from community members who call our hotline and direct them to available services and resources.

5. Compile quarterly narrative and statistical data regarding case consultation and case representation. Assist in the documentation of the project’s experiences and in the preparation of AFSC quarterly reports and proposals to funding sources.

6. Assist in the coordination of pro se community workshops.

7. Translate documents from Spanish to English.

8. Participate in AFSC staff meetings and case reviews.

9. Attend periodic immigration law training sessions and conferences.

10. Participate in in person and virtual trainings and information sessions to provide information on immigration laws and policies to community members.

11. Participate in advocacy efforts to effect changes in immigration law and policy.

12. Support administrative needs including sending out mail, checking and responding to voice mail messages, and ensuring maintenance of office supplies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education/training.

EXPERIENCE:

1. Experience in immigration law, specifically with VAWA, U visas, and battered spouse waivers preferred. Demonstrated commitment to social justice and interest in immigrant rights.

2. Must take initiative, be able to exercise sound judgment, be highly organized and detail-oriented, and possess strong time-management skills.

3. Fluency in written and oral English and Spanish required.

4. Demonstrated success working with vulnerable populations.

5. Strong written and oral communication skills including public speaking.

6. Self-motivated, detail oriented, well-organized, able to prioritize assignments and workload.

7. Ability to communicate effectively and build mutually respectful relationships with co-workers, clients, and the public.

8. Familiarity with software applications in a Windows environment, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Docketwise

OTHER REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies. Understanding of and compatibility with the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including non-violence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.

2. Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations, of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.