Immigration Legal Assistant

Why Work for CIRI?

Embark on a fulfilling career with CIRI, where you'll find more than just a job – you'll find purpose. As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• Meaningful Mission:?Contribute to an incredible mission of assisting refugees and immigrants in overcoming barriers to become self-sufficient, integrated members of the community.

• Professional Growth:?Be part of a diverse and supportive team that encourages your growth and development.

• Community Connection:?Establish long-term connections with the community and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

• Comprehensive Benefits:?Enjoy a competitive salary, medical/dental/vision/life/403B plan, 13 paid holidays, 20 days of paid time off per year, and a commitment to work/life balance and self-care.

• Public Interest Loan Forgiveness:?Benefit from eligibility for the Public Interest Loan Forgiveness Program.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Join the Journey: Empower Lives, Shape Futures at The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI)

Compensation: $19.00 per hour, 37.5-hour work week

• Medical (Anthem): 3 copay/deductible options; base plan is $40/paycheck

• Vision (Mutual of Omaha): $60 per year; $130 hardware allowance- Employee Funded

• Dental (Mutual of Omaha): $500 per year; $1,750 annual benefit- Employee Funded

• Life: 1 x Salary to $100K; paid by CIRI

• Voluntary Life: Available to employees and family

• Disability: 60% of earnings; paid by CIRI

• Identity Theft: Optional coverage; paid by employees- For employee and/or family- Employee Funded

Position Summary: Looking for a dynamic role where you’ll be in the action? Join us as a Legal Assistant, where no two days are the same! You’ll be meeting with clients to keep them in the loop on their cases and guiding them with referrals when needed. Get ready to dive into legal research, distilling statutes and case law like a pro. Plus, you'll flex your writing skills drafting letters, motions, and legal memos that our attorneys or DOJ reps will review. If you're ready to make a difference and hone your legal chops, this role is for you!

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Attend client meetings, update clients on case progress and, when necessary, assist clients and potential clients with referrals to other legal and/or social service programs at CIRI and external providers.

• Research and effectively summarize applicable statutory, regulatory and case law.

• Draft case related correspondence, motions and legal memoranda for attorney or DOJ accredited legal representative’s review.

• Review and organize client documentation, draft forms, and revise and prepare cases for attorney or legal representative’s review and mailing.

• Create and meticulously manage electronic case files, including updating reminder calendar, receipt tracking, and case noting, ensuring adherence with ILS’s records management policies.

• Perform administrative and office support activities, including returning telephone calls, scheduling clients, creating presentations, data entry and sorting, managing correspondence, and scanning/faxing documents.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Spanish fluency is required

• Paralegal experience or equivalent legal immigration experience.

• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Ability to work efficiently and independently while working on multiple tasks.

• Strong computer skills, including databases, word processing, spreadsheets, and email and online communications.

• Experience working with immigrant populations.

• Commitment to the agency’s core values and mission to assist refugees, immigrants and their families.

CIRI is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

We are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application process. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact HR at DSchwarz@cirict.org to discuss your needs. We value all applicants and strive to make the application process accessible to everyone.