Legal Assistant
AGENCY OVERVIEW:
For nearly 175 years, Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties has served the Bay Area’s children, families, and older adults. As the problem-solving center for our community, JFCS is the oldest and largest family services institution in the United States, serving more than 120,000 people annually who are facing life transitions and personal crises. JFCS has earned a national reputation as a leader in developing research-based social services and educational programs that strengthen individuals, families, and community.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Director of Legal Services, the Legal Assistant plays a central role in providing administrative assistance and case support for the Legal Services Department. The Legal Assistant is responsible for the completion of immigration-related forms, corresponding with clients and immigration agencies, and interpreting/translating for clients. Working in a team environment, the Legal Assistant is expected to maintain a solid working relationship with the Legal Services team and its clients and will provide clear and accurate information, assistance, and follow-up to our target populations. The Legal Assistant position anticipates 75% of time spent in our San Francisco office and 25% of time spent in our Palo Alto office, but this may be adjusted as needed. The Legal Assistant understands and assists in meeting the mission, service, and budget goals of Jewish Family and Children’s Services work within the Agency’s recourses and performs all duties in compliance with agency standards.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
- Pay Range: $25 – $27/hour (Depending on experience)
- Employment Type: full-time, non-exempt position with benefits
- Employer 403(b) retirement match plus additional employer contribution (subject to eligibility)
- Cafeteria plan with medical, dental, vision, FSA, Employer-paid life, and disability insurance
- 16 holidays (10 federal and up to 6 Jewish holidays), annually
- 3 weeks of vacation and 2 weeks of sick leave, annually
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Executes the day-to-day administrative support functioning of the program with minimal supervision
- Provides all aspects of excellent customer service relations for our program by serving as the primary point of contact for Legal Services clients, responding to general inquiries via phone or email, and, directing messages to the appropriate Legal Services Department team member
- Meets with clients one-on-one in person
- Tracks the progress of individual cases and prepares case documents for filings, interviews, and hearings for review by an attorney or DOJ-accredited representative
- Physically preparing paper applications to file by mail with USCIS, filing documents in clients’ physical case files, and organizing paper case files and documents
- Responds to client inquiries and proactively informs clients regarding the current status of their cases and any documentation they need to provide
- Contacts immigration governmental offices (USCIS, NVC, etc.) to follow up on the status of cases
- Assists the Director of Legal Services and/or staff attorneys and accredited representatives with the preparation of USCIS forms, consular processing documents, and supplementary materials for client filings
- Communicates regularly with the Director of Legal Services and/or staff attorneys to ensure that data is accurate and up to date and prepares case-related statistical and narrative reports for internal and grant reporting purposes
- Maintains case management data systems so that vital information for each open and closed case is accurately reflected
- Prepares letters, correspondence, memos, and other material for JFCS Legal Services Department
- Provides interpretation assistance during JFCS appointments and USCIS interviews
- Ensures efficient workflow of the department by opening and closing case files according to department best practices and procedures
REQUIREMENTS:
- High School Graduate or higher required
- J.D. or paralegal certification preferred
- A minimum of 1 year of progressive work experience in an administrative support environment
- Intermediate proficiency working with Microsoft Office Suite including MS Outlook and MS Outlook Calendar is required
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required
- Fluency in Spanish is preferred
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to issues regarding immigration and naturalization and cross-cultural communications required
- Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and meet multiple deadlines with daily, changing, and competing timeframes and mandated quality standards
- Have the ability to commute to both San Francisco and Palo Alto offices
- Demonstrated interest and/or experience in immigration law or working with underserved populations seeking legal services
EXCITED TO APPLY?
To be considered for this position, you must meet the requirements and competencies listed above. Application materials will be reviewed as they are received and well-qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, including minorities, women, veterans, and disabled individuals. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with Federal, state and local laws, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran, or disability status. JFCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees so classified.