Legal Assistant

Job Type
Part-time
Description
JOB CLASS; PAY GRADE: Coordinator 1 / Specialist 2; Pay grade 7
WAGE: Starts at $26,244 per year
LOCATION: Pacific Islander & Asian Family Center 8040 NE Sandy Boulevard Portland, OR (Hybrid)
FTE; FT/PT; STATUS: .5 FTE; Part Time with Benefits; Regular
FLSA;EEO;WC: Non-exempt; Administrative Support Workers; 8864
PROGRAM(S): Disability Legal Services
OPENING DATE: February 29, 2024
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
REQUIREMENTS: English proficiency; bilingual preferred
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
IRCO Disability Legal Services (DLS) is hiring for a part-time Legal Assistant to be an integral part of our tight-knit team. DLS envisions a safe, welcoming, and inclusive Oregon for immigrants and refugees. DLS provides legal assistance and representation to immigrants and refugees on SSI and SSDI applications and appeals. DLS also connects clients with wrap-around services and supports. This is a hybrid work position. Please note this position may have the opportunity for increased hours in the future.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Daily communication with past, current, and prospective clients, Social Security offices, and community partners.
• Coordinate and schedule monthly DLS consultations.
• Answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, and providing information and referral resources.
• Collect sensitive and privileged client information.
• Update client records and files (physically and on MyCase database system).
• Schedule client meetings and reserve office space and interpreters as needed.
• Submit medical records requests and follow-ups.
• Data entry, mail processing, filing, and other administrative duties.
• Assist attorneys and paralegal in collecting documents and information from clients and medical sources as needed.
• Regular visits to the office and occasional trips to the post office.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in outreach and educational materials.
• Assist with projects and other duties as assigned.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, committees, and volunteer activities to support IRCO's goals.

Requirements
JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least one year of legal clerical/administrative experience in a legal office.
• Familiarity with Social Security or administrative law preferred.
• Experience working with immigrant and refugee communities preferred.
• Bilingual, fluent in another language other than English.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to meet multiple, sometimes conflicting, deadlines.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate good judgment.
• Strong intercultural, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Compassionate and patient when dealing with challenging parties or situations.
• Punctuality, good attendance, and ability to work flexible hours to meet the availability of clients.
• Ability to use basic office equipment, telephone, copy machine, fax machine, and computer.
• Ability to talk on the phone and/or use computer for long periods of time.

KNOWLEDGE:
Education: Some college coursework (2)
Experience: 1-2 years of experience is required (3)
Additional Language Required: Yes
Computers: All positions at IRCO require use of a computer and experience working with Microsoft Products including but not limited to Microsoft 365, Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
SKILLS:
Communication: Regular communication inside and outside the organization to exchange ideas and gather information (5)
Creativity: Regular need to design and develop single program (work unit) functions and related processes and procedures (5)
EFFORT:
Mental: There is regular variation in tasks and the job holder must decide which tasks to complete as well as the order in which tasks are completed (3)
Physical: Positions at this level require minimal physical effort such as light lifting, carrying or movement, etc. Physical capability involves use of office or equipment where some agility and hand eye coordination is needed (2)
RESPONSIBILITY:
Impact and Influence: Minimal need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Dollar amounts influenced would be considered small. Responsibility for the prudent use of assets does not extend beyond own work responsibilities. (2)
Work Independence: Positions perform routine work with regular supervision and generally are given instructions or written procedures. Positions occasionally encounter variation and are encouraged to suggest ways to respond, but can't take final action without approval (2)
Planning: Positions at this level must be able to foresee issues associated with own work and identify future needs for supplies, equipment, resources which would stall operations or activities. (2)
Supervision: Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers. (1)
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Environment: This level has a work environment that is well protected, with virtually no hazards or obstacles. There is very little element of personal risk or hazard. Job conditions are stable, usually well managed, and very comfortable. (1)
Schedule: The work schedule is mostly stable and does not fluctuate without prior notice. (2)
ABOUT IRCO:
IRCO's mission is to welcome, serve, and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Our vision is a future where all refugees and immigrants belong, our staff are nurtured, and all communities thrive.
Founded in 1976 by refugees for refugees, IRCO has over 40 years of experience working with refugee and immigrant communities in the Portland metropolitan area, and over five years in Eastern Oregon. IRCO is the largest provider of employment services and job training for newly arrived refugees in Oregon; and we support families at every stage of their lives from the time they arrive in Oregon. Find out more at www.irco.org .
IRCO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Salary Description
Starts at $26,244 per year