JOB 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 Office of Refugee Resettlement custody locally.

The Legal Assistant will support the Children’s Legal Services program’s attorneys to coordinate client referrals, interview unaccompanied children clients to identify options for asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile classification, or other forms of humanitarian relief; assist with preparing and filing immigration applications and petitions; and complete program data and recordkeeping administrative tasks.

The ideal candidates will have stellar interpersonal and trauma-informed listening skills, especially with children of all ages; be highly organized and have excellent attention to detail; and be able to work both in a collaborative team environment and independently on assignments.

These positions are anticipated to be funded through July 31, 2026. Continuation is subject to ongoing funding availability.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate and receive case referrals, setting up new case files (both electronic and hard copy), recording referrals, and setting 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, interpreting at the meetings as needed, and gathering supporting documents. Some meetings require local travel;
• Assist in preparing filings for Immigration Court, Georgia State Courts, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);
• Communicate with clients to schedule appointments, provide case status updates as directed by the attorneys, request documents and other information, schedule appointments, and manage other communications, as needed;
• 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, where appropriate, and prepare referral packages for children who move out of local jurisdiction;
• Provide interpretation for clients at USCIS interviews, as needed.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Supervising Attorney, Children’s Legal Services

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree or 3 years’ experience/ knowledge in the field of immigration law or child welfare, family, or juvenile justice law.
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking both Spanish and English required.
• Experience in a legal setting highly desirable, but not required;
• Lived experience with the immigration legal system highly desired, but not required;
• Experience working with children highly desirable, but not required;
• Excellent attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, solve problems and exercise sound judgement;
• Evidence of capacity to be a strong team member in a highly 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 ethically complex and confidential situations;
• Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning;
• Strong computer literacy, research, and analysis skills; and
• 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.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Standard office environment with occasional participation in community outreach and legal assistance events or client meetings at public locations (for example, libraries);
• Hybrid, flexible work options available.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

If an applicant chooses to work a hybrid work schedule, the applicant must have a home or alternate workspace they can effectively complete their work from during regularly scheduled hours.

Union Eligible:
This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement.

Compensation: (Pay Range: $20.20 - $22.50) Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer: 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.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

US Benefits: We offer the following benefits to short term employees in the US: 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, sick leave, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.