Legal Assistant, Children's Legal Services

Overview

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking one bilingual Legal Assistant to join its Children’s Legal Services program in its Atlanta, Georgia office. The Children’s Legal Services program provides legal representation to unaccompanied immigrant children who have been released from the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) or are currently residing in ORR custody locally.

• Coordinate and receive case referrals, set up new case files (electronic and hard copy), record referrals, and set up initial client meetings with attorneys.
• Assist in conducting intakes or follow-up meetings with unaccompanied child clients released to sponsors in Cobb, Dekalb, Gwinnett, and Fulton counties or residing in ORR custody; interpret at meetings as needed; gather supporting documents. Some meetings require local travel.
• Assist in preparing filings for Immigration Court, Georgia State Courts, and USCIS.
• Communicate with clients to schedule appointments, provide case status updates, request documents, and manage other communications as directed by the attorneys.
• Prepare affidavits, legal correspondence, and other documents for the CLS program’s attorneys.
• Translate documents from Spanish to English and client communications from English to Spanish; interpret for client meetings or phone calls as needed.
• Process and record daily mail; assist with monthly data reporting submissions and checking; prepare monthly invoicing documentation; track deadlines for the Children’s Legal Services team; and prepare monthly reports as needed.
• Coordinate with other IRC program staff and community partners to refer clients for wrap-around services and prepare referral packages for children who move out of local jurisdiction.
• Provide interpretation for clients at USCIS interviews, as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree or 3 years’ experience/ knowledge in immigration law, child welfare, family, or juvenile justice law.
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking both Spanish and English is required.
• Experience in a legal setting is desirable but not required.
• Lived experience with the immigration legal system is desirable but not required.
• Experience working with children is desirable but not required.
• Excellent attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently, solve problems, and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong teamwork in a collaborative social services environment.
• Deep commitment to working with immigrants, children, and asylum seekers; trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills; personal integrity in handling confidential situations; commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning.
• Strong computer literacy, research, and analysis skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy and ability to travel frequently in and around the service area to attend hearings and interviews and engage with clients and community partners. Travel expenses are reimbursable.

Standard office environment with occasional participation in community outreach and legal assistance events or client meetings at public locations. Hybrid, flexible work options are available. May require occasional weekend and/or evening work. If a hybrid work schedule is chosen, the applicant must have a home or alternate workspace for regular hours.

Compensation: $20.20 - $22.50 per hour. Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates and are based on factors including the labor market, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers depend on work location, experience, and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.