Legal Assistant, Unaccompanied Children’s Program

Careers At International Institute of New England

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Legal Assistant, Unaccompanied Children's Program

For more than 100 years, the International Institute of New England (IINE) has created opportunities for refugees and immigrants to succeed through resettlement, education, employment support, and pathways to citizenship. With locations in Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts and Manchester, New Hampshire, IINE welcomes and serves thousands of individuals and families annually, including people displaced by political instability, violence, and climate crises; survivors of human trafficking; and unaccompanied alien children joining family members in New England. As one of the oldest and largest organizations in the region, IINE plays a leading role in shaping public understanding and support of our newest neighbors.

At IINE, our people are united by a shared belief in the dignity, resilience, and potential of every individual. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged, and every employee can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

A dynamic and forward-looking non-profit, IINE seeks mission-driven, solutions-focused candidates who are experts in their respective fields. Successful candidates will join a committed team of professional staff and volunteers who are devoted to welcoming and serving refugees and immigrants.

Overview

The International Institute of New England (IINE) is searching for a Legal Assistant to support the delivery of legal services to Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) currently in the care of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). The Legal Assistant provides administrative, case management, and legal support services to a staff attorney working with unaccompanied alien children. Responsibilities include coordinating legal orientations and consultations, preparing and organizing case files, collecting and maintaining case data, and assisting with legal filings and reporting requirements. The legal assistant works closely with the legal staff to ensure high-quality legal services are provided to unaccompanied alien children.

• Department : Unaccompanied Children's Program
• Reports to : Staff Attorney, Unaccompanied Children's Program
• Status : Full-time; Non-Exempt
• Job Location : MA
• Position Format : Hybrid
• Pay Rate : Starting at $27.28/hour

Responsibilities

Supporting Legal Orientation Services, legal screenings, and consultations

• Coordinate and support legal orientation presentations concerning the rights and responsibilities of unaccompanied alien children with the immigration system.
• Assist with scheduling, logistics, and preparation of materials for legal orientations conducted at ORR shelters and care provider facilities.
• Support legal consultations by gathering documents, maintaining client records, and facilitating communication between legal staff and clients.
• Assist in tracking client appointments, deadlines, and follow-up activities.
• Maintain accurate case notes and client information in case management systems.

Case Management and Direct Representation Support

• Provide administrative and case management support for UAC receiving legal services while in ORR care.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain physical and electronic case files.
• Assist attorneys with the preparation of immigration applications, supporting documentation, and court filings.
• Coordinate the collection of client records, evidence, and supporting documentation for legal cases.
• Draft routine correspondence, forms, and non-substantive legal documents for attorney review.
• Monitor filing deadlines and assist in ensuring timely submission of applications, motions, and supporting documents.
• Support attorneys in preparing for immigration court hearings and other legal proceedings.

Reporting and Data Collection

• Maintain accurate case data and documentation in compliance with program and contract requirements.
• Assist with data collection, quality assurance, analysis, and reporting activities.
• Generate reports and case status updates as required by the program and supervisor.
• Ensure confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive client information.

Skills/Abilities:

• Bilingual candidates preferred, especially fluent speakers of Spanish.
• Prior experience working with immigration law programs and/or legal services is a plus.
• Experience assisting with immigration applications and court filings.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills - demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to act independently and in a team setting.
• High degree of intellectual curiosity; willingness to learn as much as possible about immigration law and to contribute to the smooth operation of the program.
• A strong sense of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality.
• Effective communicator; should be comfortable working as part of a team and expressing innovative or critical ideas.
• Cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Experience with CRMs (E-Immigration and Salesforce) or other databases, or a demonstrated ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Professional and/or volunteer experience working directly with marginalized populations.

Education and Experience:

• Associate's degree, paralegal certificate, or bachelor's degree in a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of two years of experience in a legal, immigration services, case management, or administrative support role.
• Prior experience working with children, youth, or vulnerable populations.

Work Environment Conditions:

• Frequent interruptions from employees and clients- must have ability to multi-task.
• Exposure to bright, overhead office lighting, use of office technology such as laptops, printers, mail machines, and other in-office equipment.
• Frequent trips to mail room and/or Post Office required.
• Must have access to a car and auto insurance. Position requires travel to locations in New England, including IINE's Boston, Lowell, and Manchester offices.

Physical Demands:

• Continuous sitting (or standing) at a desk for long periods of time.
• Occasional lifting, pushing, and pulling materials (boxes, equipment) of 50 pounds.
• Occasional driving to IINE's three offices in Boston, Lowell, and Manchester.

Background Clearance and Suitability Requirements:

• This is a federally funded program. Successful candidates will need to undergo background checks mandated by the Office of Refugee Resettlement.