Community Justice Legal Assistant

Company: American Friends
Location: Newark
Posted on: May 3, 2021

Job Description:

Status: Full Time, Specific Term through December 31, 2021Application Deadline: April 4, 2021Location:Newark, NJFor consideration,please include a Cover Letter and Resume to your application in addition to answering the Application Questions.-- -- -- -- -- -- -- --Summary of Principal ResponsibilitiesThe Community Justice Legal Assistant is responsible for: conducting intakes with immigrants; counseling them on eligibility for humanitarian and family-based forms of immigration relief; preparing applications for submission to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); and following up with cases. The Legal Assistant will also provide support to staff attorneys in representation of clients by preparing and submitting documents to Immigration Court and preparing immigration applications for submission to USCIS.They will also participate in community trainings and educational meetings, including Know Your Rights presentations. Essential Functions/Responsibilities: The key responsibilities of the Legal Assistant include the following:Participate in virtual (or in-person if COVID restrictions are lifted) immigration clinics to provide information to immigrant communities and assess eligibility for immigration relief.Meet with clients and determine eligibility for immigration status under immigration laws. Counsel clients regarding documentation needed to submit applications. Under supervision of the Supervising Attorney, prepare applications and supporting documentation for submission to USCIS.Support Community Justice staff in representation of clients by preparing and submitting documents to Immigration Court and preparing immigration applications for submission to USCIS.Translate documents from Spanish to English. Secure translations in other languages as necessary.Manage caseload and maintain client files in good order, including photocopying applications, letters, supporting documentation, and USCIS follow up and maintaining client records in Law LogixParticipate in AFSC staff meetings and case reviews.Attend immigration law training sessions and conferences.Compile quarterly narrative and statistical reports regarding case consultation and case representation. Assist in the preparation of AFSC quarterly reports and reports to funding sources.Minimum QualificationsEducation: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent education/training/experience.Experience:Experience with immigration law and procedures preferred, particularly DACA, TPS, adjustment of status, naturalization and employment authorization applications.Fluency in written and oral English and Spanish.Other Required Skills and Abilities:Strong written and oral communication skills including public speaking.Self-motivated, detail oriented, well-organized, able to prioritize assignments and manage a substantial work load.Familiarity with software applications and cloud-based programs in a Windows environment, including Microsoft Office and Law Logix.Ability to communicate effectively and build mutually respectful relationships with co-workers, clients, the public and donors.Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies. Understanding of and compatibility with the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including non-violence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations, of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staffCompensation: Salary begins at $52,929 with minimal flexibility based on experience - Exempt - Comprehensive medical and hospitalization plan; term life, accident and salary continuation insurances, defined benefit pension plan, plus fringe benefits; participation in unemployment and worker's compensation and social security.The American Friends Service Committee is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious affiliation, national origin, race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.AFSC's Central Office and some of its offices in the U.S. are unionized workplaces. This position is represented.The American Friends Service Committee is a smoke-free workplace

Keywords: American Friends, Newark , Community Justice Legal Assistant, Other , Newark, New Jersey