Legal Assistant - Community Immigration Services (Cis)

Join our RAICES Team!

Are you ready to join our dedicated team operating on the national frontlines fighting for immigration rights? The ideal candidate shares our vision of a compassionate society where all people have the right to migrate and human rights are guaranteed. RAICES has many opportunities to contribute, grow, and thrive in a fast-paced environment that values dedication and collaboration. Starting salary is commensurate with experience.

Who We Are

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees. As an organization that combines expertise developed from the daily practice of immigration law with a deep commitment to advocacy, RAICES is unique among immigration organizations. We provide a holistic approach to immigrants. RAICES not only assists immigrants in navigating through complicated immigration laws, but we also assist immigrants with social needs through case management and providing assistance with housing. RAICES advocates that justice is an inherent human right that should be awarded to everyone regardless of age, religion, country of origin, sexual orientation, or ability to pay for legal counsel.

What We Do

We defend the rights of immigrants and refugees, empower individuals, families, and communities, and advocate for liberty and justice.

COVID-19 Response

Protecting the health and safety of employees and clients remains essential. We currently practice social distancing and encourage masks in all public areas. RAICES is using a phased-in approach to return staff to resume in-office operations.

This position will require working remotely and in-office at the assigned work location. Applicants must be adaptable and open to working in both environments.

Hybrid Work Plan

• Currently, all interviews are virtual.
• Our employees work in-office and remotely based on their role and business needs.
• Our mission-centered employee will be required to work in the assigned location when we reinstate normal operations.
• Applicants must reside in the state of Texas.
• Relocation assistance may be provided to candidates willing to relocate.

What We Offer

A career at RAICES offers the opportunity to work with a team of professionals driven by our passion for advocating for immigrant rights. Our total rewards package offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits! Additional benefits include:

• Generous PTO, plus 14 paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Spending Account
• Dependent Care Account
• Parental & Family Leave
• 403(b) - no waiting period on eligibility and immediate vesting after 90 days
• Salary is commensurate with experience

RAICES is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including gender identity, gender expression, change of sex, and transgender status), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request.

Legal Assistants assist a team or an individual attorney to provide zealous representation of individuals pursuing benefits or seeking relief under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Responsibilities:

• Assists attorneys with their caseload providing direct representation to individuals eligible for immigration relief:
• Meets with clients both in-person and telephonically and prepares applications for review;
• Prepares filings for individuals before the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and others;
• Handles incoming and outgoing mail remotely;
• Gathers supporting documents and prepares translations;
• Assumes general administrative responsibilities, including detailed case management and timekeeping;
• Gathers, tracks and records client data; and, Manages both electronic and paper case files including client case log.
• Conducts initial interviews (“Legal Screenings”) in accordance with RAICES policy: Screens clients for persecution, trafficking, and torture utilizing trauma-informed approaches to provide services and support to clients;
• Provides referrals for released clients in accordance with RAICES policy;
• Assists with Advocacy efforts and community outreach;
• May Provide Pro Se assistance to prospective clients;
• May conduct Know Your Rights Presentation using approved material;
• May travel to detention facilities/shelters and other locations locally and/or statewide, as needed;
• May provide support to volunteers;
• All additional responsibilities required by the unit; and,
• Other tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or one year experience in a law office setting or working with the relevant community or population

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual or multilingual preferred.
• Experience in immigration and/or criminal law.

Attributes:

• Must demonstrate behavior that aligns with RAICES’ mission, vision, and values – Empowerment, Excellence, Compassion, Inclusion and being proactive;
• Able to communicate cross-culturally and work in a multicultural setting with patience and compassion with diverse individuals.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team;
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; and
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.