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About this role
POSITION TITLE: Legal Assistant REPORTS TO: Lead Attorney HOURS: Full Time WORKSITE: Lincoln or Omaha, Nebraska COMPENSATION
Pay rate starting at $23.00 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 At the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA), we see strength in every story. We are Nebraska and Southwest Iowa's leading immigration legal services provider and refugee resettlement agency, built on the foundation that every person - regardless of their country of origin or immigration background - deserves dignity, belonging, and opportunity. Through high-quality legal representation, resettlement services, social work, education, and advocacy, we meet the complex and evolving needs of our immigrant and refugee communities. Our expert team supports complex needs with one shared goal: empowering our clients to forge better lives, resulting in stronger communities for all of us.
POSITION DESCRIPTION The Legal Assistant is an integral part of CIRA's legal team, and this role will be assisting with services for the U/T/VAWA team. The core functions of this position are (1) legal support; (2) client communication; and (3) education and advocacy. 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
Translate client documents and correspondence from Spanish to English, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail in all written translations
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
Provide accurate, faithful interpretation during client phone calls and meetings, including long and sensitive conversations requiring care and professionalism
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 English and 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 staff, volunteers, and clients from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence. Must be committed to providing affirming, trauma-informed services consistent with CIRA's nondiscrimination policies and values
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 role consists of regularly sitting at a desk and using a computer and phone.
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. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
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.
