Legal Assistant, Immigrant Rights Program

The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker religious organization that promotes lasting peace with justice. The Legal Assistant will support the Immigrant Rights Program by providing immigration legal services to low-income immigrants, focusing on family-based immigration filings and maintaining client caseloads.ResponsibilitiesUnder the direction of the Supervising Accredited Representative, conduct initial consultations with clients to determine eligibility for various immigration benefits including , with a primary focus on family-based immigration, VAWA and U-visas, adjustment of status and naturalization applications. Draft client declarations, affidavits, and application cover lettersGather, review, and organize evidence and support materialsCommunicate with clients regarding case status, documentation needs, and USCIS noticesTrack deadlines, receipts, RFEs, and case outcomesMaintain client files in good order and up to dateRespond to calls from immigrants who call our hotline and direct them to available services and resourcesCompile 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 reports on funding sourcesReceive immigration fees from clients, provide receipts, and send bills as necessary to clientsAssist in the coordination of pro se community workshops. Translate documents from Spanish to EnglishParticipate in AFSC staff meetings and case reviewsAttend periodic immigration law training sessions and conferencesParticipate in person and virtual training and information sessions to provide information on immigration laws and policies to community membersParticipate in advocacy efforts to effect changes in immigration law and policyRegular attendance and punctuality are requiredOperates safely in all conditions and follows policies and proceduresOther duties and projects assignedSkillsBachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience requiredOne year's experience in immigration law, specifically with VAWA, U visas, and battered spouse waivers requiredDemonstrated commitment to social justice and interest in immigrant rightsMust take initiative, be able to exercise sound judgment, be highly organized and detail-oriented, and possess strong time-management skillsFluency in written and oral English and Spanish requiredDemonstrated success working with vulnerable populationsStrong written and oral communication skills including public speakingSelf-motivated, detail oriented, well-organized, able to prioritize assignments and workloadAbility to communicate effectively and build mutually respectful relationships with co-workers, clients, and the publicFamiliarity with software applications in a Windows environment, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Docket wiseAbility to work in the evenings and/or weekends and to travel, as requiredAbility to work effectively independently and within a team environmentExperience with standard Microsoft Office and related technologyMust be capable of working under tight time constraints in a high-volume environment with multiple prioritiesUnderstanding 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 staffCommitment 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 individualPrior experience in an immigration law setting preferredBenefitsComprehensive medical and hospitalization planTerm lifeSTD & LTDDefined benefit pension plan403b matchVacationPTOSabbaticalsExtended leavesHolidaysParticipation in unemployment and worker’s compensation and social securityCompany OverviewAmerican Friends Service Committee is a non-profit organization that offers employment, economic justice and human rights services. It was founded in 1917, and is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, with a workforce of 201-500 employees. Its website is https://www.afsc.org/.



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