Entry Level Human Rights Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

About NIJC

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC's team of over 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.

Job Summary:

NIJC seeks a Pro Bono Project Coordinator to join the NIJC team within the Chicago office to assist in NIJC's pro bono project(s). This position will work with diverse partners, including private law firms and community-based organizations, to ensure asylees, refugees, and their family members have access to legal representation through placement with pro bono legal partners. The coordinator ensures that pro bono partners receive adequate support and training and monitors these case placements from initial assignment to the final adjudication of the case. This position will be responsible for serving as the NIJC representative with pro bono partners, NIJC staff, law students, and other immigrant and human rights organizations to ensure access to justice for immigrants. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate effective legal representation of vulnerable immigrant populations through in-house case preparation and pro bono placement.
• Collaborate with the Pro Bono Manager and pro bono staff across NIJC to integrate pro bono work for asylees and refugees and to systematize pro bono practices across projects.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of monthly asylee and refugee pro bono clinics and provide technical support to cases placed with pro bono attorneys as part of the clinic.
• Collaborate with the supervisory team to oversee pro bono training on and placement of asylee and refugee cases and provide technical support to cases currently placed with pro bono attorneys.
• Collaborate with the Pro Bono Project Paralegal to ensure careful file management and tracking of all pro bono case referrals.
• Receive and review case referrals before assigning cases to pro bono partners.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with pro bono partners and social service organizations and community organizations as necessary. 
• Represent NIJC at pro bono outreach events to celebrate and increase pro bono representation for immigrants, refugees, and asylees.
• Conduct the annual audit of pending pro bono matters in collaboration with supervisor and paralegal.
• Ensure pro bono partners have access to resources needed for effective representation, including trauma-informed practices.
• Prepare applications, legal arguments, evidence, and affidavits for case filings to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and U.S. Department of State, under the supervision of an attorney or DOJ accredited Representative.
• Communicate with clients in Spanish and English and conduct intake under the supervision of an attorney or DOJ accredited representative.
• Provide Spanish-language interpretation before USCIS at immigration interviews and appointments.
• Maintain current knowledge of immigration policies, procedures, and internal structures within NIJC.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies

• Self-motivated and committed to immigrant advocacy.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with colleagues internally and outside of the organization.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines and case-related tasks.
• Effective interpersonal and verbal communication skills including explaining processes and providing technical support to pro bono partners.
• Familiarity with immigration processes and procedures.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn, including staying current on immigration policies and internal processes.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining case records and related documentation.
• Clear written communication skills, including drafting training materials, documentation, and correspondence for pro bono partners, clients, and immigration and human rights organizations.
• Demonstrates compassion and consideration when working with refugees, asylees, and other vulnerable immigrant communities.

Qualifications:

• Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree required. Minimum of one year of experience in the human rights field, legal and/or communications work required. May give credit towards years of experience if attained a degree higher than a bachelor's degree.
• Language Skills: This position requires regular communication with clients in Spanish. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, work independently, and collaborate effectively.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft 365.

How to Apply

Please Include: Your resume and a compelling cover letter, including that includes why you are interested in this specific role and in working for NIJC. How your unique skills and experience will enable you to make a significant impact on our team and help us achieve our mission. A specific, brief example of a project or accomplishment from your past that best demonstrates your relevant qualifications.

Physical Abilities Statement

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.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 

• For any technical issues please contact recruiting@immigrantjustice.org