Legal Assistant

POSITION TITLE: Legal Assistant

DEPARTMENT: Refugee and Immigrant Services

REPORTS TO: Managing Attorney

SALARY: $26.00-$28.00 per hour

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

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POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Legal Assistant, under the direction of the Managing Attorney, will provide support to all of the removal defense staff attorneys. This position will assist primarily with immigration legal services, immigration bond and parole cases, data entry on Immigration Database, drafting legal letters, filing documents with USCIS, EOIR, and California state court, and document pick-up from Otay Mesa Detention Center (OMDC) and the Imperial Regional Detention Facility (IRDF). Fluency in English, is required.

AGENCY CULTURE:

The business and social environment in which Catholic Charities operates is continuously changing. To thrive, we much incorporate ways of thinking and acting that strengthen who we are and who we can be. As part of this cultural change process, it is critical that all employees of Catholic Charities aspire to the following:

A commitment to the agency's mission, vision, and values ("We Do the Right Thing")

A commitment to excellence in everything we do ("We Do Things Right")

A commitment to achieving desired outcomes and measuring results ("Everything Counts")

A commitment to innovation and what is possible ("We value Agility and Generativity")

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

• Serve as a Point-of-contact for clients and family members in USCIS and EOIR cases
• Maintain records of consults and client interactions in the E-Immigration database
• Input consultations and information into legal database, as needed, for attorneys
• Assist with document collection from clients and sponsors
• Prepare SIJS petitions, USCIS applications, and immigration parole packages for ICE and bond hearing submissions under the supervision of an attorney
• Conduct detained consultations at Catholic Charities Mission Gorge office as well as OMDC and IRDF (must be able to maintain a clearance for detention facilities)
• Visit clients to obtain original signatures for court filings and DHS submissions
• Based on attorney interview, prepare declarations in client's native language and review with client for signature. Also, to interpret English documents to client's native language to client for client signature.
• Go to SD or Imperial EOIR to file documents for attorneys
• Maintain a waitlist of detained and non-detained persons so that attorneys can easily access potential clients
• With Attorney guidance and supervision, draft simple motions, for attorney signature, such as Continuance, Substitution, Change of Venue, and Withdrawal of Counsel motions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two-year associate's degree, preferably in paralegal studies. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Previous law firm experience a plus.
• Required, fluency in English. Preferred fluency in Spanish, or another language.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, and high level of cultural competence.
• Commitment to the mission and values associated with the agency and the program, including social justice, respect for others, and early employment.
• Strong attention to detail, excellent time management, outstanding client service skills, including proactive approach to assisting with RD team needs
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with MS Word and Excel
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills to develop and maintain positive relationships with Attorneys, DOJ Accredited Reps, Clients, and Partners.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Valid California Driver's License and current automobile insurance in compliance with Agency requirements. This position is subject to background checks including FBI, Department of Justice, and those required by Federal contracts.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Catholic Charities is a non-smoking, drug-free environment.

Catholic Charities is a non-profit, non-discriminatory service organization and employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Persons seeking employment are entitled to freedom from harassment and retaliation and reasonable accommodation for qualified disabilities.