Legal Assistant

Catholic Charities is seeking a Legal Assistant to support our Immigration Legal Services (ILS) program in providing high-quality legal services to immigrants and refugees. This role will be located in Waterloo, Iowa and involves administrative support, client communication, and case management while upholding the values of Catholic Social Teaching—service, integrity, respect, unity, and stewardship.

Catholic Charities is the social service organization of the Archdiocese of Dubuque responding to persons in need according to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. We envision a community that works to strengthen families, reduce poverty and empower communities. The values of service, integrity, dignity, respect, unity, and stewardship are expected to be demonstrated by all employees.

JOB DUTIES/TASKS:

• Office Administration & Case Management:
• Maintain physical and electronic case files using LawLogix, ensuring all records are accurate, updated, and organized.
• Assist attorneys in opening, updating, and closing client files while ensuring compliance with confidentiality and legal guidelines.
• Manage office operations, including responding to phone inquiries, coordinating mailings, scheduling appointments, and overseeing the clinic schedule.
• Track and process client payments, issue receipts, and deposit revenues per organizational policies.
• Generate and provide reports as needed to support the Director of Immigration Legal Services.
• Monitor and notify administrative staff of office supply needs.

Client Support & Communication:

• Serve as the first point of contact for prospective walk-in clients, providing information and conducting initial screenings using the ILS intake form.
• Answer and manage client calls, relay attorney responses, and schedule new and follow-up client appointments.
• Prepare and send client notifications regarding biometrics appointments, interviews, swearing-in ceremonies, and approvals.
• Assist in interviewing clients and witnesses under attorney supervision to gather necessary case information.

Legal & Translation Assistance:

• Interpret and translate written documents between Spanish/English (or other languages as needed).
• Draft client declarations, statements, and legal correspondence with attorney supervision.
• Prepare immigration forms and case documents under the guidance of attorneys.
• Supervise volunteers or administrative staff in sending out reminder letters for legal clinic appointments.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Conduct information gathering and data collection to support case processing.
• Review closed files for any original documents or unprocessed payments before archiving.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of Catholic Charities and the ILS program.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s Degree required; Bachelor’s preferred or equivalent experience.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish/English (or another language) is highly preferred.
• Experience working with immigrants and refugees or knowledge of immigration processes is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and case management systems like LawLogix.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work efficiently independently in a fast-paced, document-intensive environment.
• Commitment to Catholic Social Teaching values and serving vulnerable communities.

We offer a full range of benefits including generous paid time off. Email resume and cover letter of interest to Human Resources at dbqchrdir@dbqarch.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person