Immigration Legal Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

This position will report to Global Refuge's Managing Attorney of Immigration Legal Services the Immigration Legal Advisor will support Global Refuge, its field offices and network through the provision of training and technical assistance on immigration law, policy, and practice. The primary function of the Immigration Legal Advisor will be to provide technical assistance and training on client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally competent legal counsel and representation to clients on related immigration matters. The immigration advisor will collaborate with cross-department colleagues, and affiliate partners within the Global Refuge network to achieve this goal. Please note that this is a temporary position with an approximate duration of 4 months.

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, care for unaccompanied children, and economic empowerment and employment. Our work also extends to Guatemala and Mexico, where we help young people with skills training and community reintegration. To date, we have served over 800,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as government, community, and faith partnerships.

At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty-it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Provide advice and direct legal representation to clients on various immigration matters including, but not limited to, asylum, family-based petitions and visas, work authorization, adjustment of status, hardship waivers, and other legal needs, as needed.
•  Research, design, and writing resource materials on immigration law and policy, program management and legal services delivery models, and ethical practice of law for various audiences.
• Work with local partners to organize and hold legal workshops to provide limited legal services for clients seeking assistance with certain immigration applications including parole, Temporary Protected Status, asylum, adjustment of status, and work authorization.
•  Provide training on how to provide trauma-informed, client-centered and culturally competent legal screenings and direct legal representation to clients in immigration law before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration Courts and Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) pursuant to government grant compliance/metrics.
•  Prepare and conduct outreach and education programs on immigration law and legal services program management, to include DOJ Recognition and Accreditation.
•  Provide trainings and technical assistance on individual case escalation, case liaison assistance, and assist with case collections on potential processing issues.
•  Conduct trainings and provide technical assistance to Global Refuge network on how to conduct group information sessions on Know Your Rights and other critical legal matters for Afghan parolees.
•  Assist with community outreach and education, and group presentations and workshops; and represents the agency to a variety of organizations and at community and professional functions and meetings, as requested.
• Perform legal research on AILA publications, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Title 8 of Code of Federal Regulations (8 C.F.R.), and other related primary and secondary sources of immigration law and regulations. Maintain up-to-date knowledge on U.S. immigration law, policy, and practices.
• Maintain accurate data entry and record-keeping for grant-funded projects.
•  Represent Global Refuge in coalition meetings; network and build relationships with like-minded organizations.

Qualifications

• Law degree from an accredited law school, required.
• At least 2-5 years of experience representing immigrants before DHS, Immigration Courts and BIA strongly preferred; candidates with exceptional clinical or internship experience may also be considered
• Strong substantive understanding of U.S. immigration law and legal practice
•  Experience working with survivors of trauma and immigrants
• Excellent legal analysis, written and oral advocacy and presentation skills
• Responsible, self-initiating, and focused, with proven ability to work independently and also collaboratively in a team-based decision-making environment
•  Experience designing trainings and presenting to legal and non-legal audiences is a plus
•  Meticulous organizational habits with an ability to manage a complex caseload, establish priorities, and meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills and record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills; experience working with clients, staff and interns of diverse backgrounds
• Commitment to learning and promoting the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Fluency in Dari or Pashto is desired.
• Understanding of the law firm and pro bono culture a plus.
•  Excellent MS Office Suite skills, particularly in Word and Excel, required.
•  Flexibility to adapt to program changes and client needs.
•  Experience with and commitment to working in a fast-paced and diverse work environment.
• Deep commitment to Global Refuge's core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.

Global Refuge is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We participate in E-Verify in the states that permit its use.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your first day of employment, 403(b) with company contribution and match, 20 days of vacation per year, tuition reimbursement, professional development, and much more. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills, and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities.