What are the responsibilities and job description for the Immigration Legal Assistant position at Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans?
Job Summary:
The Supervising Legal Assistant will support the Immigration Attorneys to prepare various aspects of a client's immigration case, and is expected to train for accreditation to practice immigration law as an immigration representative by the Department of Justice. Legal Assistants also serve as interpreters in English and Spanish.
Duties/Responsibilities
Essential Job Functions:
The Supervising Legal Assistant will facilitate legal assistant meetings, train new legal assistants, serve as a focal point for liaising with the social services team, supervising attorneys, and other project staff; and assist with special projects as needed. The Supervising Legal Assisant is responsible for screening, interviewing, and working with Director of Legal Services to hire new legal assistants. This position is also responsible for providing any counseling and performance appraisals for the legal assistant team. The Supervising Legal Assistant provides additional support to staff attorneys when a legal assistant position is vacant or a legal assistant is out of the office for sick or vacation time.
Responsibilities may include: Prepare applications for legal relief, conduct legal intakes, screening and assessing eligibility for legal relief, develop legal defense strategies, draft legal statements, and assist attorneys in document review and all aspects of case preparation. As a Translator/Interpreter, duties may include translation of legal forms, certificates, and declarations as well as legal interpretation at court hearings, government interviews, and with pro bono attorneys. Legal Assistants will participate in relevant trainings, and will provide specialized trainings to staff and external parties, including attorneys. Other tasks may include corresponding with clients and government officials by phone, email and in person; managing appointment schedules; filing deadlines and document collection; organizing, maintaining, and updating clients' case files and records in physical files and case management software; payment collection/invoicing (for non-pro bono cases); mailing as necessary; assisting with special projects and grant reporting, as necessary.
Physical Requirements:
Sitting, Standing, Walking, Talking, sitting at a desk, and working on a computer.
•Must be able to lift fifteen pounds at times.
•Physical Demands: Sedentary physical activity performing non-strenuous daily activities of an administrative nature.
•Stand less than 33% of time on duty.
A. Walk less than 33% of the time on duty.
A.Sit between 33% and 66% of time on duty.
B.Use of hands to finger, handle or feel over 66% of time on duty.
C.Reach with hands or arms less than 33% of time.
D.Full ability to talk and hear.
E.Correctable vision required.
F.Able to lift/carry up to 10 lbs.
Minimum Educational and General Qualifications:
•Bilingual in Spanish and English (written and oral) required.
•Bachelor's degree strongly preferred.
•Two years experience supervision experience
•Two years Experience working in a legal environment and/or other relevant experience working with immigrants and/or vulnerable populations strongly preferred.
•Strong interpersonal and culturally competent communication skills. Respect for others and sensitivity to the needs and legal issues affecting people of diverse backgrounds.
•Ability to work independently to manage a substantial workload with deadline pressures.
•Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for a fast-paced and high volume environment.
•Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding all case and client information.
•Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and ability to learn immigration database/software.
•Candidates must successfully complete required background checks and clearances.
All candidates for employment with CCANO must submit to a criminal records check as a condition of employment.
New employees will be required to complete a criminal background check prior to employment.
Compliance with the State of LA Child Protection Act and Archdiocese Policy on Abuse and Neglect, to provide for the safety and security of all clients served by CCANO programs.
Certain programs require additional background checks in addition to the Archdiocesan check. These may include the "State Police Check " and
" The Department of Education".
