Legal Assistant

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY: Catholic Charities is one of the largest, oldest, and most comprehensive nonprofit human services organizations in Northern California, annually reaching more than 60,000 vulnerable individuals of all faiths in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin Counties.
With a staff of approximately 450, reaching peaks of nearly 600 with seasonal hires, a budget of $54.
3 million, and a current governing board of 27, this venerable, fully-accredited, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit addresses some of the most pressing community needs – homelessness, generational poverty, immigration, inequality, hunger, aging in isolation, and communicable disease - to name a few – with compassion and services of highest quality.
PROGRAM & POSITION SUMMARY: Founded in 1907 and rooted in our traditions of charity, justice and equality, Catholic Charities supports families, aging adults and adults with disabilities, and youth through human services and opportunities for healthy growth and development.
The key mission of Catholic Charities Immigration Legal & Support Services is to assist newcomers in achieving not just legal status and economic self-sufficiency, but in becoming fully active participants in the social and civic life of our communities.
The Removal Defense Legal Assistant will provide coordination, direct assistance and follow-up to low-income clients with needs related to immigration legal benefits and/or remedies.
Under the supervision of an attorney, responsibilities may include, among others, (1) scheduling appointments with clients, (2) completing forms and gathering supporting documentation for submission to US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) or State Court (family court or probate court for predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile visas (SIJS)), (3) preparing forms and motions for filing with the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR), (4) preparing written declarations in support of immigration benefits or remedies, (5) following up with clients who previously received consultations, and (6) answering client queries both telephonically and in person.
We are seeking an individual who is motivated to serve those who need it most.
Our ideal candidate will be a team player who is highly motivated to learn about the ever-changing immigration system.
In turn, our office will provide ongoing trainings and a supportive learning environment.
The position serves clients from all over the Bay Area and will be based in San Francisco Bilingual English/Spanish required:.
This position will be based out of our San Francisco office located at 990 Eddy St.
San Francisco CA 94109 (within walking distance of Civic Center BART station).
Staff will need to be on site for a minimum of 4 days/week.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the supervision of a Supervising Attorney, provides a variety of legal services to clients: - Prepares immigration forms to be submitted to USCIS, EOIR or State Court, and assembles application packages for final review and signature by Supervising Attorney.
- Interfaces with clients, including youth and their guardians, to complete orientations to the legal process, translation of documents, document collection and review.
- Conducts research in support of asylum or cancellation cases (i.
e.
country conditions research).
- Prepares detailed declarations in support of asylum claims, guardianship applications, applications for cancellation of removal or other remedies to be presented in Immigration Court.
- Maintains proper client files and documentary evidence required to prove eligibility for legal benefits and equities under INA.
- Performs data entry and record keeping in standardized legal service software.
- Prepares thorough and detailed notes in case management system regarding interactions and conversations with clients, status of case, documents required and all other information vital for review and audit of file.
- Compiles reports as requested.
- Attends regular mandatory staff meetings.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education & Experience::: - Bachelor’s Degree.
- Experience directly related to the job qualifications will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Direct experience providing legal immigration services and working knowledge of immigration law, policies and procedures preferred but not required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities::: Bilingual (English/Spanish) required.
: - Excellent translation and interpretation skills.
- Excellent writing skills - Demonstrated planning, presentation, and organizational skills.
- Ability to self-start on projects and to be proactive in anticipating needs of the project.
- Capacity to work under pressure with minimal supervision.
- Excellent listening, communication, facilitation, and influencing skills.
- Knowledge of LawLogix or any other Immigration or Case Management Software preferred.
- Interest in obtaining accreditation with the Board of Immigration Appeals to become a DOJ Representative, a PLUS.
- Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in cross-cultural situations.
Prerequisites Required Prior to the First Day of Employment:: Fingerprints: Required: TB Screening - Negative Tuberculosis Test: N/A: First Aid Certificate: N/A: COVID Vaccination: N/A: HOW TO APPLY: To apply, please submit: - A copy of your resume; and - A cover letter detailing 1) your interest in and qualifications for the legal assistant position, 2) your interest in working for Catholic Charities, and 3) if there is a particular immigration issues that interests you.
Council on Accreditation (COA) roles: Serves on monthly committee for Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) committee.
- Serves on Performance and Quality Improvement PQI Committee responsible for monitoring goals and reporting.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Intermittent :bending, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, and walking.
Intermittent lifting, pushing, and pulling.
- Intermittent repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.
The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading.
Driving is required for this position.
If driving a car is required for the position, incumbent must have a valid California driver's license and be able to provide proof of DMV record and personal insurance (if required.
) WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.
Noise level in the 990 Eddy St.
(where this position will be housed) in San Francisco is usually minimal.
The Immigration Program is a work environment that consists of a 8:30am-5:00pm office environment, scheduled client appointments in person and over the phone consultations, information and referral, and intake.
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.
They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and is committed to providing equal employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, legal domicile status, veteran status, disability or AIDS/HIV status or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.
They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
In accordance with the requirements of title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"), Catholic Charities SF does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities.
Furthermore, Catholic Charities SF does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.
S.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under title I of the ADA CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and is committed to providing equal employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, legal domicile status, veteran status, disability or AIDS/HIV status or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.