Job Description
Opportunity
The Legal and Casework Assistant provides crucial administrative and casework support to the U.S. Legal Services department. The role is responsible for ensuring that the department systems (e.g., file management, client database, mailings, etc.) are working effectively, as well as contributing to legal casework on behalf of our refugee and immigrant clients.
The position will report to a senior supervisor in the department and work closely with all U.S. Legal Services department staff.
This is an exciting entry-level opportunity for a well-organized, motivated individual interested in refugees, human rights, and immigration.
This role will be based out of IRAP’s New York office and requires in-office presence four days a week, with the option to work from home one day per week.
Responsibilities
Administrative Duties
Provide administrative support to IRAP to the legal services department on-site at IRAP’s New York office four days a week; daily tasks include processing incoming mail and preparing outgoing submissions to government agencies and other outgoing mail.
Coordinate administrative and logistical support for casework across the department, such as preparing files for cases to be placed with pro bono teams and coordinating interpreters for client calls
Enter, maintain, and organize data in our case management database regularly; monitor data health dashboard and work with attorneys to ensure our records are up-to-date with crucial client and case information
Maintain and organize electronic and hard-copy filing systems, including client documents, case files, and attorney correspondence files.
Administer listservs, shared calendars, and other tools and channels of communication used by the legal department.
Provide logistical support for team retreats and travel, as requested.
Provide administrative support for departmental hiring processes, as requested.
Casework Duties
Conduct screenings by phone and email with potential clients, working with interpreters as needed.
File Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for case files on behalf of clients.
Support attorneys with their casework as needed and as capacity allows. Examples of casework tasks include:
Drafting forms under the supervision of an attorney (e.g., G-28s, I-765, I-130, etc.)
Drafting declarations for clients based on attorney instructions
Gathering and organizing client documents
Organizing client meetings and coordinating interpretation
Calling clients to obtain information needed for a case, working with interpreters as needed.
General Duties
Communicate professionally and sensitively with diverse stakeholders, including clients and their family members, legal practitioners, law students, and case referral partners such as global UNHCR offices and community organizations.
Assist with special projects, including law student projects, creating legal information resources, legal clinics, our “Ask an Expert” platform, and more.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s Degree; or
Associate’s Degree with 2+ years of relevant work experience; or
4+ years of relevant work experience.
Experience
- 2+ years of relevant work experience and an associate’s degree, or 4+ years of relevant work experience, replacing the educational requirement. Years of experience are not required for a Bachelor’s Degree holder.
Values, Competencies, Skills
Strong organizational skills, analytical skills, time management, and attention to detail.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
Strong understanding of technology systems, including Microsoft, Adobe, and Google Suite.
Experience with Salesforce is a plus.
Ability to multitask and juggle numerous projects and tasks independently.
Sensitivity to client empowerment and to working with clients of all backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ clients, survivors of trauma, and other vulnerable populations.
Excellent oral and written skills are required in English.
Proficiency in Spanish, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, or Swahili preferred.
Job-related Requirements
This position is based in NY.
This position does not require travel.
This position requires in-office work onsite at IRAP’s NY office 4 days per week, with the option for one day of remote work weekly.
Benefits- US
IRAP’s benefits vary across office locations, and IRAP seeks to offer equitable and generous benefits to all employees.
Fully paid family health insurance
Retirement options
Extensive PTO (20 or more vacation days, 22 or more public/org-wide holidays)
Comprehensive leave time for sickness
Disability and parenting leave (more than 6 months of parental leave)
Reimbursement for work-from-home equipment
Generous opportunities for professional development
$58,991 - $68,387 a year
Compensation is based on experience, education, and internal equity.
The salary will be between $58,991 and $68,387.
This role is subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
To Apply:
Please upload the following documents:
- An updated Resume;
- A customized Cover Letter;
- Three References.
IRAP is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, IRAP will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please refer to your request in the cover letter.
IRAP is an equal-opportunity employer; people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. IRAP does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, citizenship status, ethnic background, religion, political orientation, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected class. We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of all local, state, and federal laws related to the Fair Chance Act.
