Legal Assistant Intern

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more at www.irco.org.  

POSITION:                                 Legal Assistant Intern

JOB CLASS/GRADE:                  Specialist 1 / Grade 8

WAGE:                                         Starting at $23.37 per hour based on experience

FLSA; EEO; WC:                         Non-Exempt; Administrative Support Workers; 8864

LOCATIONS:                              IRCO - Pacific Islander & Asian Family Center, 8040 NE Sandy Boulevard, Portland, OR 97213

                                                     Hybrid schedule

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS:                 On-Call/Casual without Benefits; Temporary

                                                     (Approximately 20 hours/week)

NUMBER OF POSITIONS:       (1)

APPLY AT:                                  www.irco.org 

STATUS:                                      Oncall/ Casual without Benefits

PROGRAM(S):                           Disability Legal Services

SECTOR:                                     Legal Services 

REQUIREMENTS:                      English proficiency

This job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Program Summary
Disability Legal Services (DLS) provides legal assistance and representation to vulnerable adults and children with obtaining Social Security disability benefits, such as SSI and SSDI, and connects clients and their families with wraparound services and resource linkages. 

We are particularly experienced working with: individuals with language barriers; very low-income individuals; individuals who have experienced trauma related to war, prolonged displacement, resettlement, natural disaster, etc. and who have developed physical or mental disabilities because of these experiences; individuals with intergenerational trauma, and; those with intersectional identities and experiences which create unique barriers to accessing systems and services.

Position Summary
IRCO Disability Legal Services (DLS) is hiring a temporary Legal Assistant Intern to be an integral part of our tight-knit team. This is a hybrid work position. We are seeking an intern who can work a minimum of 20 hours a week with the opportunity to work more hours if interested (up to full-time). 

The ideal applicant will be available onboard as soon as possible, with the internship running until the first week of February 2026, or longer.

Please note that this position may have the opportunity for increased hours in the future or a permanent position.

Essential Functions

• Daily communication with past, current, and prospective clients, Social Security offices, and community partners
• Coordinate and schedule monthly DLS consultations
• Answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, and providing information and referral resources
• Collect sensitive and privileged client information
• Update client records and files (physically and on MyCase database system) 
• Schedule client meetings and reserve office space and interpreters as needed
• Submit medical records requests and follow-ups 
• Data entry, mail processing, filing, and other administrative duties
• Assist attorneys and paralegal in collecting documents and information from clients and medical sources as needed
• Regular visits to the office and occasional trips to the post office

Secondary Functions

• Assist in outreach and educational materials 
• Assist with projects and other duties as assigned
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, committees, and volunteer activities to support IRCO’s goals 

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Some college coursework or equivalent combination of training and experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong analytical, problem-solving skills
• Strong skills in multibackground, interpersonal, and organizational communication
• Communicate effectively in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone
• Strong communication skills in a multilingual, multibackground, team and organization
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently 
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality 
• Ability to meet multiple, sometimes conflicting, deadlines 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate good judgment
• Compassionate and patient when dealing with challenging parties or situations 
• Punctuality, good attendance, and ability to work flexible hours to meet the availability of clients
• Ability to use basic office equipment, telephone, copy machine, fax machine, and computer 
• Ability to talk on the phone and/or use computer for long periods of time 

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• Hybrid schedule
• Communication: Regular communication inside and outside the organization to exchange ideas and gather information
• Creativity: Minimal need for the redesign of single focus process or procedure is needed
• Mental: There is regular variation in tasks and the job holder must decide which tasks to complete as well as the order in which tasks are completed
• Physical: Positions at this level require minimal physical effort such as light lifting, carrying or movement, etc. Physical capability involves use of office or equipment where some agility and hand eye coordination is needed
• Impact and Influence: Positions at this level have a minimal need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Positions at this level have minimal impact and influence on organization operations, programs, expense or budgetary outcomes.
• Work Independence: Positions perform routine work with regular supervision and generally are given instructions or written procedures. Positions occasionally encounter variation and are encouraged to suggest ways to respond, but can't take final action without approval
• Planning: Positions at this level must be able to foresee issues associated with own work and identify future needs for supplies, equipment, resources which would stall operations or activities.
• Environment: This level has a work environment that is well protected, with virtually no hazards or obstacles.  There is very little element of personal risk or hazard.  Job conditions are stable, usually well managed, and very comfortable.
• Schedule: The work schedule is mostly stable and does not fluctuate without prior notice.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions, or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers.

Required Engagement 

Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO’s mission, vision, and values-based initiatives. 

How To Apply

1. Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.  
2. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.  
3. For questions about this position, please email jobs@irco.org

Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO’s main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application. 

IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by State and Federal law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.