Bilingual Legal Assistant

The Office of Immigrant Services (OIS) is a DOJ-recognized program that provides immigration legal services to immigrants and refugees in the East Tennessee. OIS program offers legal assistance with family reunification, adjustment of status for refugees and asylees, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewals, and humanitarian services under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and more.

The OIS Legal Assistant supports the Program Leader with various tasks, including conducting legal research, drafting and reviewing documents, communicating with clients, preparing application, statements and motions, and organizing and maintaining files. The OIS Legal Assistant participates in community outreach and educational activities as needed. The Immigration Legal Assistant work will focus on Humanitarian Cases as described by USCIS. Such cases include but are not limited to: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).

Schedule: M - F with 35-hour work week

Starting Hourly Rate: $17.00

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, life insurance, 403(b) with 3% match, pension, 17 days vacation annually, 12 days sick annually, and up to 13 paid holidays.

Job Responsibilities:

• Collect, examine, and organize evidence and other legal documents for attorney review and case preparation
• Draft and proofread correspondence and legal documents, such as pleadings and contracts
• Research regulations, laws, and legal articles to assist with the preparation of reports, case files, and legal advice
• Screen calls, enquiries and requests, and deal with them, as appropriate
• Communicate with clients to schedule meetings and statements
• Manage, organize, and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing systems
• Provide general administrative assistance
• Any other duty as assigned by the Program Leader

Job Requirements:

• Must be able to move objects weighing up to 25 lbs
• Must pass all required screenings
• Must maintain a high level of professionalism, integrity, trust, and confidentiality
• Must have strong organizations skills and ability to multi-task in fast-paced work environment
• Must maintain any training and certification requirements
• Must support the teachings of the Catholic Church and embody our organization's mission and culture through behavior and daily interactions
• Regular and predictable on-site attendance is required

Job Qualifications:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
• Associate degree in paralegal studies, a paralegal certificate, or a bachelor's degree preferred
• 1-5 years of experience as an administrative assistant, legal assistant, legal secretary, or paralegal
• Bilingual Spanish and English required
• Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights
• Detail-oriented and highly organized
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and professional demeanor
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to work independently, manage large workloads, and keep deadlines
• The ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally competent legal assistance
• Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with different program staff and partner organizations to further develop community relationships and facilitate holistic and wraparound services