Legal Administrative Assistant - Full Time

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Position Title: Legal Administrative Assistant

Date Modified: November 2022

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Director of Immigrant Services

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Hours: 40 hours per week onsite, Mon-Fri, with one evening shift per week required when evening programming is operating. Additional hours may be required to meet program deadlines or client needs.

Position Purpose: Provide administrative support to the Immigrant Services department

 

Mercy Center creates opportunities for women, men, and families in the South Bronx to grow and thrive through education, family, civic, social and economic programs. We build community with a spirit of hospitality, respect and equity in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy.

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Mercy Center’s Immigrant Services department provides free assistance to low income New Yorkers with applications for Naturalizations; Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Permanent Resident card renewals. Mercy Center is an Opportunity Center for the Office for New Americans (ONA), and offers legal assistance in immigration matters by partnering with the Immigrant Protection Unit of the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) to provide legal representation to our participants in immigration proceedings.

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The Legal Administrative Assistant will work in our Immigrant Services department in our South Bronx Office to provide a wide range of administrative support to the Immigrant Services department to deliver high-quality legal services to low-income New Yorkers seeking to apply for Naturalization, renew their DACA status or renew their Permanent Resident card. The Legal Administrative Assistant will also screen immigrants seeking other immigration assistance and will provide appropriate referrals as needed. The Legal Administrative Assistant must be bilingual in Spanish and English.

 

Essential Functions:

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· Answer phone calls and e-mails from participants and prospective participants; provide information to prospective participants about Mercy Center’s Immigrant Services department’s services; refer naturalization participants to Mercy Center’s ESOL classes; and provide information on resources available to the immigrant community.

· Screens participants for eligibility for various immigration benefits but not limited to Naturalization, Permanent Resident Card renewals, and DACA renewals.

· Administer and update participant intake list; email intake form to participants; refer Naturalization participants to ESOL and citizenship classes as needed; maintain referral tracking information for ESOL, citizenship classes and other types referrals made.

· Maintain appointment schedule; coordinate with participants to collect required documents and evidence for USCIS applications; and update client information on database.

· Sort and scan mail, including time-sensitive court mail and other highly sensitive documents. Send out mail on behalf of staff and participants and apply the appropriate levels of urgency and need for tracking information.

· Organize and store paper and digital case files; and prepare closed files for off-site storage.

· Maintain office space, stock office supplies, and organize the department’s resources and materials.

· Help to monitor participant in-office visits in compliance with safe COVID-19 practices.

· Assist in community outreach events as needed, and the development of program materials.

· Providing additional administrative support to Immigrant Services Director as needed, including making copies, mailing, scanning, filing, and other administrative tasks.

· Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

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Qualifications:

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Education and/or experience:

 

· Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 or more years experience in a similar role preferred, or

· High School Diploma or GED and at least 4 or more years experience in a similar role.

· Interest and/or experience in immigration law preferred.

 

Skills and/or competencies required:

 

· Fluency in Spanish.

· Excellent oral and written communication skills.

· Excellent interpersonal skills including a customer service mindset and demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and people in crisis.

· An ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative team environment.

· Experience working with applicants for immigration benefits strongly preferred.

· Excellent organizational, time management and computer skills.

· Experience using MS Office programs and data entry.

· Understanding of challenges facing low-income, immigrant communities and communities of color.

· Must work well under pressure; be a fast learner; a people person; and a team player.

 

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

 

· Works in standard office conditions (at a desk and computer) onsite.

· Usually works at one work site, but at times works at off-site locations and travels between locations when required.

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Compensation: Salary range is $40,000-45,000 depending on experience. We offer a comprehensive benefit package including health insurance and a tax-deferred annuity, with generous paid vacation, sick and personal days.

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To Apply: Please submit your cover letter and resume to immigrantservices@mercycenterbronx.org. Please refer to instructions when applying, incomplete applications will not be considered.

 

Mercy Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a work environment free from discrimination, one where employees are treated with dignity and respect. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.