Legal Assistant - Bakersfield, CA and Fresno, CA

Legal Assistant – UFW Foundation Location: Bakersfield, CA and Fresno, CA. Compensation: $20.00–$24.00 per hour, plus benefits. Summary Support attorneys or DOJ accredited representatives in providing immigration relief services and removal proceedings representation. Assist client intake, proceedings, event outreach, and administrative support. Report to lead staff attorney or senior accredited representative. Responsibilities Open, route, and respond to correspondence; answer phone and take messages. Produce documents using computer hardware and software, including merge documents and graphics. Read and route incoming legal mail; attach appropriate file for attorneys/representatives. Compose routine and complex correspondence; prepare outgoing mail, e‑mail, and faxes. Make copies of correspondence and other printed materials. Assist with coordination of special events and group processing workshops. Facilitate completion of immigration applications (e.g., DACA, citizenship). Translate documents from Spanish to English and vice versa. Provide information to potential immigration applicants. Follow up after intakes to evaluate client eligibility, conduct legal research, and request additional information. Maintain accurate client database and case files (physical and electronic). Conduct initial intake for immigration clients. Screen telephone calls, arrange conference calls, and coordinate appointments. Assist other office staff with administrative needs, travel arrangements, and volunteer coordination. Organize file system, file correspondence, and records; greet visitors and support appointment needs. Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas, reserve facilities, and transcribe minutes. Essential Functions Utilize computer hardware and software to produce documents. Use merge documents, graphics, and document templates to communicate effectively. Perform high‑level clerical support for lead manager and supervisor. Supervisory Responsibilities May supervise and coordinate office volunteers. Minimum Requirements Professionalism and organization; ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment. Experience working in immigrant communities and low‑income and working‑class communities. Bilingual (English and Spanish or other language) with ability to read, write, and speak in both languages; translator capability. Excellent oral and written communication; strong problem‑solving skills. Self‑motivated; ability to work independently and collaboratively. Dedication to mission and interest in migrant and farm‑worker rights. Ability to manage and execute across several communication media. Flexibility, speed, and precision; ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities. High typing speed of at least 50 net words per minute. Preferred Requirements & Qualifications None. Education and/or Experience Associate degree or equivalent and two years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Valid California Class C driver’s license, access to a vehicle, insurance, and willingness to travel off‑site. Compensation and Benefits $20.00–$24.00 per hour. Benefits include: Accruals of 2, 3, and 4 vacation weeks per year depending on tenure. 16 paid holidays (includes a personal day). 1 mental health day per calendar year. Paid sick days. Health, dental, and vision benefits. Life insurance. Flexible Spending Accounts. Employee Assistance Program. 403(b) retirement plan with 2% employer match. 401(k) retirement plan with no employer match. Employer‑sponsored pension plan. Supplemental insurance within 30 days of hire. Professional development opportunities. 20% discount for UFW Foundation immigration services. Various discounts via ADP Lifemart, TicketsatWork, and UnionPlus. Physical Demands Requires frequent sitting; occasional standing, walking, stooping; regularly lifts up to 10lbs and occasionally up to 25lbs. Work Environment The work environment is usually moderate in noise level. Equal Opportunity Employer The UFW Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, and are not influenced or affected by any protected characteristic under law. Applicants with past criminal convictions and/or disabilities will be considered with individualized assessments and reasonable accommodations to qualify for the position. Applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, or other protected characteristic. Additional and/or Special Requirements COVID‑19 Vaccination Requirement – The UFW Foundation is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our community, employees, and program participants. While vaccinations and boosters are not currently mandatory, they are strongly recommended. If a pandemic situation arises that necessitates vaccines and/or boosters, the requirement will be reinstated to protect everyone effectively. Vaccinations have proven to be effective in preventing the spread of the virus and reducing severe illness. By choosing to get vaccinated, individuals contribute to the collective effort in mitigating the impact of the pandemic and creating a safer environment for all. We will continually monitor the evolving situation and follow the guidance of health authorities. #J-18808-Ljbffr