Immigration Legal Assistant- Hartford

Embark On a Fulfilling Career With CIRI, Where You'll Find More Than Just a Job ' You'll Find Purpose. As Part Of Our Team, You'll Enjoy

• Meaningful Mission: Contribute to an incredible mission of assisting refugees and immigrants in overcoming barriers to become self-sufficient, integrated members of the community.
• Professional Growth: Be part of a diverse and supportive team that encourages your growth and development.
• Community Connection: Establish long-term connections with the community and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, medical/dental/vision/life/403B plan, 13 paid holidays, 20 days of paid time off per year, and a commitment to work/life balance and self-care.
• Public Interest Loan Forgiveness: Benefit from eligibility for the Public Interest Loan Forgiveness Program.
  
  

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Join the Journey: Empower Lives, Shape Futures at The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI)

Compensation: $20.00 - $21.00 per hour, 37.5 hours per week

• Medical (Anthem): 3 copay/deductible options; base plan is $40/paycheck
• Vision (Mutual of Omaha): $60 per year; $130 hardware allowance- Employee Funded
• Dental (Mutual of Omaha): $500 per year; $1,750 annual benefit- Employee Funded
• Life: 1 x Salary to $100K; paid by CIRI
• Voluntary Life: Available to employees and family
• Disability: 60% of earnings; paid by CIRI
• Identity Theft: Optional coverage; paid by employees- For employee and/or family- Employee Funded
  
  

LOCATION: Hartford, CT with travel in Litchfield County

POSITION SUMMARY: The Legal Assistant will support the Immigration Legal Services (ILS) team by performing a variety of administrative, legal, and client-focused duties, with the goal of training toward partial or full DOJ Accreditation. This role is essential in supporting legal case preparation and service delivery to both detained minors and clients in the community.

Key Responsibilities

Client Services and Legal Support:

• Attend client meetings and assist in updating clients on case progress.
• Assist clients and potential clients with referrals to legal and/or social service programs within CIRI and through external providers.
• Review and organize client documentation, draft immigration forms, and prepare case filings for review and submission by attorneys or DOJ-accredited representatives.
• Draft case-related correspondence, motions, and legal memoranda under the supervision of an attorney or DOJ-accredited representative.
• Research and summarize applicable statutory, regulatory, and case law relevant to immigration matters.
• Short-term (first 5 months) ' provide support to unaccompanied children in shelters regarding their legal rights through the end of the contract period, as needed.
• Provide Know Your Rights (KYR) presentations and legal screenings to minors.
  
  

Administrative And Office Support

• Perform general administrative duties including returning phone calls, scheduling clients, creating presentations, managing correspondence, scanning/faxing, and data entry.
• Create and maintain electronic case files in accordance with ILS protocols, including scanning documents, tracking receipts, and updating internal calendars.
  
  

Compliance And Reporting

• Accurately track and log all services provided in accordance with grant requirements and program deliverables.
• Support the delivery and documentation of all legal services in alignment with contractual obligations.
  
  

Qualifications And Experience.

• BA or BS.
• Previous experience as a paralegal or DOJ Accredited Representative for a DOJ recognized agency preferred
• Prior experience working with youth, trauma survivors or other vulnerable populations preferred
• Spanish fluency required: the candidate must possess sufficient fluency to work directly with clients on all aspects of legal representation without using an interpreter. This is a grant requirement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and ability to pay close attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, database management and internet
• Ability to drive and possession a valid U.S. driver's license
• Commitment to the agency's core values and mission to assist immigrants and their families.