Legal Coordinator

Legal CoordinatorAscentria Care Alliance employees and volunteers take pride in the impact they have on the people they serve. It's more than just a job, it's an opportunity our employees have to care for and share in the lives of people who greatly need and appreciate their presence. Ascentria Care Alliance focuses on every child, elder, disabled person, refugee, endangered teen or teenage mom in order to build stronger communities one person at a time. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance the operations of a $125m non-profit social services organization with programs throughout New England.The Legal Coordinator will liaise with legal providers in order to advocate for and assist in advancing youth client immigration cases. The Legal Coordinator will work with Ascentria's Division of Children Services (DCS), a division of the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) program, which provides foster care and case management support to unaccompanied youth in the United States who are granted asylum or special immigrant juvenile status. The role of staff members is to support unaccompanied youth in foster care in their transition to life in the United States. The Legal Coordinator is a key member of the team and one who will provide translation services as needed.Essential Responsibilities:Ensure Spanish speaking youth client and clients' biological family, sponsors, and guardians are provided guidance and resources with legal service providersDevelop and maintain partnerships with legal service providersCollaborate and direct the coordination with representatives from Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement, DHS Juvenile Coordinators, Government Consulates, State Family and Probate Courts, and US Immigration and Customs to ensure all legal information status is in order.Coordinate and maintain schedule of client legal meetings and hearings, and properly prepare youth clients for these legal matters and hearingsTrack each step in the legal process and keep case managers and youth clients apprised of progress in legal cases, provide assistance to youth clients as needed to ensure they understand the process.Communicate biological family, sponsors, and guardians in all matters related to minors' legal cases and permanency planning; provide assistance as needed to ensure all understand the process.Ensure trauma informed approach is taken in all client and family interactions.Assist during the intake process with youth clients in order to ensure thorough documentation, determine needs, and make referrals such as trafficking referrals, child advocacy, and other services related to legal supportEnsure all required personal, legal, and immigration documentation is received from transfer facility and request documents from facilities, home country, and consulate as neededConduct legal orientations for youth clients upon intakePrepare legal reports and documentation including petition paperwork, court reports, and Post 18/discharge planningMaintain system to document and track clients' progress in immigration cases and legal eligibilityProvide legal trainings around client rights, and stages and status of juvenile immigration law and support to staff, youth clients, families, and other providersParticipate in regular meetings with Ascentria staff, legal providers, and ORR representativesTransport and accompany youth to legal appointments and hearingPerform other duties as assigned.Pay Range $20.63-$23.79Bachelor's degree preferred Associate's degree required within the Human Services field.3+ years of experience in work in child welfare or with the migrant populationSpanish Bilingual preferred, with demonstrated good oral and written communication skillsAn understanding and acceptance of the refugee and undocumented populationMature and stable judgment as well as sensitivity to various cultures and the unique history of immigrant and refugeesAbility to work independently and exercise a high level of confidentiality;Demonstrated computer skills sufficient to perform essential job functions, email competency, ability to learn and utilize ORR/State sponsored softwareValid Driver's License, proof of insurance, positive driving record, and ability to use own car to travel to home visits and to transport minors is requiredAbility to work within the Mission of the agency; "We are called to strengthen communities by empowering people to respond to life's challenges."Trainings Required:Ascentria Organizational Orientation Office of Refugee Resettlement/DCS Policies and Procedures Various trainings including but not limited to: cultural competency, trauma-informed services, youth development, strength-based behavior management, immigration and child welfare systems, mandated reporting, CPR/first aid, crisis intervention, etcWe prioritize our employees' wellbeing with a comprehensive benefits package, for those who qualify, and a supportive workplace culture where all are encouraged and empowered to drive change, make a difference, and enjoy life outside of work.High quality/affordable health, dental, and vision insurance to support your overall wellnessFlexible Spending Account to help manage eligible expensesA 403(b)-retirement plan with employer matchA full-service Employee Assistance Program with many free and accessible services and supportsGenerous tuition reimbursement to invest in your professional growth and developmentPaid time off which increases as your tenure grows and holidays for work-life balanceA workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, where all voices are heard and respectedWhen you join Ascentria, you're not just taking on a job—you're stepping into a role that empowers you to grow personally and professionally while contributing to a meaningful mission.Transform lives and communities with Ascentria Care Alliance. Apply today to be a part of our mission-driven Team!