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:
The Legal Assistant position is available to individuals who wish to grow as a vital part of our Legal Services department. The Legal Assistant, under the Director of Legal Services Department, is responsible for the completion of immigration-related forms, corresponding with clients and immigration agencies, and interpreting/translating for clients.
The Legal Assistant is expected to maintain agency standards at all times and should be prepared to fulfill a wide range of agency goals in a challenging but satisfying work environment. For interested applicants, this position can lead to becoming an Accredited Representative for JFCS, allowing one to advise and represent immigration clients on behalf of the agency.
The Legal Assistant understands and assists in meeting budget and service goals, understand the mission and objectives of Jewish Family and Children’s Services and works within the limitations of the Agency’s resources and performs all duties in compliance with Agency standards.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
- Pay Range: $25-$28/hour (depending on experience)
- Employment Type: Full-time, 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:
- Tracks the progress of individual cases and prepares case documents for filings, interviews, and hearings
- Contacts immigration governmental offices (USCIS, NVC, etc.) to follow up on the status of cases
- Assists the Director, Legal Services and/or staff attorneys and accredited representatives with the preparation of USCIS forms, consular processing documents, and supplementary materials for client filings
- Prepares letters, correspondence, memos and other material for JFCS Legal Services Department
- Responds to client inquiries and proactively informs clients regarding the current status of their cases and any documentation they need to provide
- Communicates regularly with 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
- Represents JFCS’ Legal Services at SFPCI (San Francisco Pathway to Citizenship Initiative) events, attending all workshops and assisting with setup and facilitation of the events
- Interprets at various immigration interview appointments and other client meetings
- Does document translation for client civil documents and intake forms
- Develops and follows standard operating procedures and best practices for legal case preparation and management including the opening and closing of case files
- Consults with Director of Legal Services and/or staff attorneys in all areas in which inquiry and case follow up are beyond the scope of their expertise
- Participates in JFCS and departmental meetings and trainings and represents the Legal Services Department in a professional demeanor
REQUIREMENTS:
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to issues regarding immigration and naturalization and cross- cultural communications required
- Ability to organize and prioritize varied tasks to handle multiple responsibilities
- Demonstrated interest and/or experience in immigration law
- Bachelor’s degree is required
- J.D. or paralegal certification preferred
- Fluency in Russian is required
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.
EXCITED TO APPLY?
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.