Detention Legal Assistant

Status: Full-Time, Specific-Term through 10/31/21 with possible extension due to funding

Location: Newark, NJ

Application Deadline: March 6, 2021

For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume in the application.

Summary of Principal Responsibilities

The Legal Assistant will be part of AFSC’s Friends Representation Initiative of New Jersey (FRINJ), a publicly-funded project that provides representation for immigrants who are detained by ICE at immigration facilities in New Jersey and facing removal hearings at the Elizabeth Immigration Court. The Legal Assistant will provide support to staff attorneys in representation of detained clients by receiving communications from detainees, collecting documents in support of applications, communicating with families and service providers, preparing and submitting documents to Immigration Court, preparing immigration applications to USCIS, translation of documents, and ensuring accurate case tracking and data reporting.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities: The key responsibilities of the Detention Legal Assistant include the following:

1. Support attorneys in representation of detained clients through responding to phone calls, communicating with families, conducting client intake interviews, collecting necessary documents, conducting research, submitting applications, and providing informational packets for released clients.
2. Manage caseload and maintain client files in good order, including photocopying applications, letters, supporting documentation, and follow up work. Maintain client and case information in LawLogix.
3. Translate documents or secure translations as necessary; secure interpretation assistance, as necessary.
4. Provide administrative support to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the office and the universal representation program, including facilitating intake days at detention centers and county jails and keeping track of all detainees who have had a screening intake.
5. Screen detained pro se immigrants who call our hotline and direct them to available services and resources.
6. Compile quarterly narrative and statistical reports regarding case consultation and case representation. Assist in the documentation of the project’s experiences and in the preparation of AFSC quarterly reports and reports to funding sources.
7. Participate in AFSC staff meetings and case reviews.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education/training.

Experience:

1. Prior Legal Assistant or related experience preferred.
2. Demonstrated commitment to social justice and interest in immigrant rights or public interest legal work.
3. Bilingual English/Spanish required.
4. Strong written and oral communication skills.
5. Self-motivated, detail oriented, well-organized, able to prioritize assignments and workload.
6. Ability to communicate effectively and build mutually respectful relationships with co-workers, clients, and the public.
7. Experience developing reports for funders.
8. Familiarity with software applications in a Windows environment, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and LawLogix.
9. Ability to work some evenings and weekends; ability to travel out of state.

Other Required Skills and Abilities:

1. Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies. Understanding of and compatibility with the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including non-violence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.
2. Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations, of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.

Compensation: Salary begins at $52,929 with minimal flexibility based on experience – Exempt – Comprehensive medical and hospitalization plan; term life, accident and salary continuation insurances, defined benefit pension plan, plus fringe benefits; participation in unemployment and worker’s compensation and social security.

The American Friends Service Committee is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious affiliation, national origin, race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.

AFSC’s Central Office and some of its offices in the U.S. are unionized workplaces. This position is represented.

The American Friends Service Committee is a smoke-free workplace.