Legal Assistant in Omaha, Nebraska at Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement

POSITION TITLE: Legal Assistant
REPORTS TO: Lead Attorney (Asylum)
HOURS: Full Time
WORKSITE: Omaha, Nebraska
 
COMPENSATION

• Pay rate starting at $25.00 per hour, commensurate with experience

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• Unlimited paid time off (including employee birthday); 9 paid holidays with year-end holiday break
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance; 403b retirement plan with an automatic 5% contribution; and FMLA
• Employee Wellness Program (including enriching snacks, support groups, and engaging activities)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (includes life event referral program, 5 free counseling sessions, financial and legal resources, and employee discount/savings program)
• Yearly stipends for employee development opportunities
• Relocation assistance; travel and expense reimbursement
  

ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION
In 2022, Immigrant Legal Center and Refugee Empowerment Center merged, and the combined nonprofit organization is now CIRA, the Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement. Our team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate legal representation, refugee services, and social work services.

We take on the most complex immigration cases, resettle refugees from around the world, and ensure all clients have access to much-needed resources. Operating in offices from Council Bluffs to Scottsbluff, our team of more than 100 full-time employees helps communities’ welcome immigrants and refugees as they build their lives here. We assist with all forms of family and humanitarian-based immigration, and we never turn any family away due to inability to pay. 
 
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Legal Assistant is an integral member of CIRA’s legal team and will provide administrative, research, and legal support to the Asylum team. The Legal Assistant will report directly to the Lead Attorney and work closely with other attorneys and legal staff to support the representation of asylum-seeking clients.
The core functions of this position include: (1) legal and case support; (2) country conditions research and documentation; (3) client communication and support; (4) document translation and interpretation support; and (5) education and advocacy.
The Legal Assistant will support attorneys with preparing and organizing legal documents and case files, conducting country conditions and other legal research, and gathering and organizing supporting documentation and evidence. The Legal Assistant will also translate client and legal documents and perform other general legal assistant and administrative duties related to asylum cases. The position requires strong attention to detail, organization, cultural competency, confidentiality, and the ability to work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.
 
CORE FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION  
Legal Support

• Work with attorneys, DOJ-accredited representatives, and staff who contribute to serving clients who may qualify for a form of immigration relief
• Assist CIRA attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives by preparing, copying, and scanning documents, and sending and tracking outgoing mail
• Assist CIRA attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives with forms, statements, cover letters, motions, petitions, and briefs
• Create, organize, and maintain complete and accurate client records in physical files and on CIRA's case management software, including logging all new activities, filing receipts, correspondence, and filings in the case file, and tracking reminders and deadlines as described in CIRA's Legal Procedures Manual
• Effectively and efficiently track open/closed cases using CIRA's case management software
• Assist in compiling and preparing case management reports
  

Client Communication

• Maintain contact with CIRA clients and promptly return calls in accordance with the Legal Procedures Manual
• Assist CIRA attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives with drafting, translating, and sending email and mail correspondence
• Keep clients aware of the status of their case
• Interpret for client meetings or appearances before administrative bodies
• Refer clients to proper community resources
• Communicate and advocate for the needs of clients
  

Education and Advocacy

• Contribute to intake, outreach, and education programs related to forms of immigration legal relief and advocate for the rights of immigrants
• Refer clients to proper community resources
• Communicate and advocate for the needs of clients
  

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Associate's degree or equivalent experience required; Bachelor's degree preferred
• Fluency in Spanish is required
• Previous experience within the legal field is preferred but not required
• Strong commitment to public interest legal services and to the enfranchisement and empowerment of immigrant communities
• Ability to work sensitively with numerous staff, volunteers, and clients having varied personalities, lifestyles, cultures, political orientations, and faiths
• Fluency in using Office 365 applications (ex. Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, etc.) and a strong ability to learn new software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English required
• Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills with ability to serve clients and colleagues from various backgrounds professionally
• Demonstrates reliability through consistent attendance, effective time management, and flexibility
• Ability to take initiative and problem-solve independently when appropriate
• Ability to represent CIRA positively to clients, volunteers, community organizations, and the public
• Strong commitment to professional excellence in a mission-driven environment
• Impeccable integrity, positive attitude, and self-directed work style
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Ability to lift items up to 20 lbs. as needed
• Ability to pass all required background checks
• Must be at least 18 years of age and authorized to work in the United States

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• This is not a remote position.
• Workdays pertain to a Monday – Friday schedule, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, with occasional flexibility required.

TO APPLY 
Please upload a cover letter, resume, and three professional references all in PDF format to the job application link.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it.
INCLUSION & EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
CIRA is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. We do not discriminate based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or any characteristics prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment at CIRA, including recruiting, hiring, assignments, training, promotions, compensation, employee benefits, employee discipline and discharge, and all other terms and conditions of employment.