Legal Assistant

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), established in 1911, is a nongovernmental, not-for-profit international organization dedicated to addressing the needs and rights of refugees and immigrants. USCRI, working with nearly 200 affiliates, provides legal, social, and health services to refugees, unaccompanied migrating children, trafficking survivors, and other immigrants in all 50 states, El Salvador, Honduras, Kenya, and Mexico. USCRI advocates for the rights of refugees and immigrants both nationally and globally, helping to drive humanitarian policies, practices, and law. To learn more about our work, please visit our website at www.refugees.org.  

OVERVIEW 

Each year refugees and immigrants come to the United States to seek a better life and/or protection from persecution in their home country. To help them build their lives in the United States, USCRI offers pro-bono and low-bono legal services for these refugees and immigrants by providing competent and comprehensive immigration legal services through various programs. USCRI seeks to hire a full-time, in person Legal Assistant in our Colchester, VT office to contribute to the activities of the program by providing direct technical assistance and support to the staff attorney(s). 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Monitor incoming communication and promptly respond to potential clients and/or their sponsors looking for legal support;
• Make appropriate referrals to other service providers and relevant community partners;
• Support current collaborations with providers of services to immigrants and refugees;
• Perform administrative, data-collection tasks, and reporting duties as assigned;
• Maintain a basic knowledge of relevant laws, policies and trends in law affecting the target population; and
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Staff Attorney and the Legal Management Team.

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation.  All job duties indicated are not to be an exhaustive statement and other job-related duties may be assigned as required by the supervisor(s). 

REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent experience;
• Two (2) years of experience working in a legal or similar setting preferred;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Commitment to working in a diverse and challenging working environment;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently;
• Proficiency in MS Word, MS Access, MS Excel and database programs;
• Must pass a criminal background and other screening requirements;
• Candidate must have dedication to the human rights of refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers and displaced people;
• Demonstrated support of USCRI’s values by exhibiting respect for others, maintenance of confidential information and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.

ADDITIONAL NOTES  

• Please submit a resume with a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your online application.
• References will be at time of the final interview.
• No telephone calls please. Position will remain open until filled. 
• Work Location: In-person

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY  

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a policy of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, domestic partnership status, marital status, physical or mental disability, AIDS/HIV status, age, political affiliation, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.