Legal Assistant

Erie Neighborhood House has provided the most comprehensive support immigrant and low-income families in Chicago need to thrive and has constantly evolved to meet their needs. Today, Erie House is a modern social services nonprofit with programming and resources for children and youth, mental health and community wellness, adult education and training, legal services, and more. Through these programs, we empower the people we work alongside to build powerful communities.

Erie Neighborhood House (ENH), a social service agency serving the Chicago metropolitan area and dedicated to promoting a just and inclusive society, is seeking a full-time Legal Assistant (Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm). Reporting to the Immigration Program Manager, the Legal Assistant will be housed out of Erie House’s 1634 W Van Buren St office and their basic function is to provide administrative support within Erie Neighborhood House’s Legal Services Department.

In return to your commitment to Erie House and its mission to the community, you will enjoy excellent professional development opportunities, opportunity for growth, and have direct impact in building powerful communities. Be a part of one of the oldest and most respected Settlement House in the Chicago Land Area. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform receptionist duties including answering phones and fielding client questions, taking and delivering messages, directing calls to appropriate personnel, and assisting members of the public; 
• Greet and direct clients in a courteous and professional manner; 
• Attend to clients dropping off or picking up documents; 
• Process mail daily, including uploading notices to data system and filing mail in office; 
• Maintain the organization and management of client files, documents, and payments in the office; 
• Prepare and mail applications to USCIS and other government agencies on a weekly basis; 
• Promptly and accurately enter and update data in online legal database of client information; 
• Assist in administrative duties including making copies, filing records, preparing mailings, and translating documents; 
• Assist in office organization and managing inventory; 
• Assist in preparing monthly data reports;  
• Attend to clients’ questions regarding case status or program services via phone, email, or in-person; 
• Organize and manage client phone calls to schedule and confirm legal consultations and appointments on a weekly basis and send appointment reminders;  
• Perform weekly client intake for office consultations, including gathering and entering data, creating files, and receiving payments from applicants; 
• Follow up on pending case work and maintain communication with clients via phone, email, or mail regarding missing information and/or documentation necessary for submission of application; 
• Collect fees from applicants; 
• Assist in case management by working with clients to receive resources and referrals;  
• Manage and update referral networks through online data systems; 
• Assist with client registration and intake during in-person workshops; 
• Participate in staff trainings and meetings as required; 
• Other duties as requested. 

• Written and oral fluency in English/Spanish required; 
• High school degree or equivalent preferred; 
• 1-2 years administrative experience required; 
• Experience with legal immigration services preferred; 
• Experience with data management software preferred: 
• Excellent organizational skills and detail-oriented; 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with legal ethical and professional rules of conduct; 
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills; 
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite; 
• Access to reliable transportation and ability to work in the office. Travel will be expected between various sites within Chicago city limits; 
• Occasional weekend hours required for Saturday workshops; 
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and sensitivity to challenges of the immigrant community. 

TEAM MEMBER BENEFITS 

• Compensation of $19.23-$20.19 / hour based on experience
• Work / life integration 
• Generous paid time off  

(examples below for full-time employment) 

• 12 accrued sick days per year 
• 3 personal days 
• Paid birthday off 
• 8 paid holidays, including Juneteenth 
• In addition to above paid holidays, paid week off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day 
• Vacation 
• Year 1 = 8 days 
• Year 2 = 13 days 
• Year 3 + = 20 days 
• Access to alternative and flexible work schedules and personal leave, where possible 
• Two-weeks fully paid Parental Leave, for eligible employees  
• Time off for school conferences and activities as well as bereavement leave 
• Professional Development 
• Employer-sponsored learning and development programs 
• Paid day off annually for personal professional development  
• Tuition Assistance & Debt Relief Program, as budget allows 
• DEI Council-sponsored education and engagement series  
• Wellness support 
• Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance 
• Employer-paid life insurance 
• Voluntary life and AD&D and short and long-term disability 
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, vision and dependent care 
• 403b with employer match 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Yoga, Zumba and Book Club, when onsite 

Union / Non-Exempt

Erie Neighborhood House is dedicated to creating a workforce that promotes and supports diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals without discrimination. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact us at hr@eriehouse.org. 

NO TELEPHONE CALLS PLEASE!
MUST BE A MEMBER OF AFSCME OR JOIN AFTER 30 DAYS
ERIE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
ACCREDITED BY NAEYC & NATIONAL AFTER SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
RECOGNIZED BY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE; 
UNITED WAY MEMBER