Program Assistant

JOB POSTING – Program Assistant (Removal Defense, Legal Services) The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986. CHIRLA is a California leader with national impact made of diverse immigrant families and individuals who act as agents of social change to achieve a world with freedom of mobility, full human rights, and true participatory democracy. CHIRLA organizes and serves individuals, institutions, and coalitions to build power, transform public opinions, and change policies to achieve full human, civil and labor rights. Guided by power, love, and vision of our community, CHIRLA embraces and drives progressive social change. POSITION DESCRIPTION The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) is seeking a Program Assistant to work within a multi-person team and provide support to the Legal Services Department. The ideal candidate will receive the necessary training to complete the duties of the job; therefore, the candidate must possess curiosity to learn and develop processes. We are seeking a proactive problem solver who is willing to address continuously evolving and complex departmental needs and support our Legal Services Department. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES Provide confidential administrative support to program staff. Provide and/or coordinate direct administrative support services to Managing Attorneys, Department Managers, Attorneys, and other legal staff. Assist with the Department’s incoming mail and its proper distribution. Assist in maintaining Department systems and protocols related to case management including shipping legal applications, updating files, and keeping case logs in client database. Prepare materials ahead of legal clinics and triage and provide logistical support during triage and/or clinics as needed. Help maintain inventory of active and inactive Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) court cases, other affirmative relief files within Department’s shared documents and client database systems. Assist attorneys, OLAP DOJ Accredited Representatives, Law Clerks and other legal services staff in preparing and filing forms, pleadings, motions, legal briefs, and supporting documents to the EOIR court. Assist attorneys, OLAP DOJ Accredited Representatives, Law Clerks and other legal services staff in preparing for court hearings and interviews. Support Managing Attorneys and Department Managers with client data collection and grant reporting as necessary. May be asked to lead, guide, and train support staff and/or interns performing related work. Provide follow-up with appropriate staff, under direction, to ensure completion of requests by Department Staff for past applications and case-related documents. Assist with general office management. Make follow up calls to schedule consultation appointments and/or fill out consultation intakes. Assist the legal department with making copies, organizing files, and helping clients on site as needed. Provide regular updates and reporting on progress made to meet goals. Interacts with all Legal Services Units to answer related routine questions and concerns about client files and documents. Submit time and attendance and other administrative materials according to set deadlines. Maintain professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of the latest developments in immigration and compliance law and in other related areas. Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS: Required At least two years of community college or equivalent related experience. At least two years of experience in a high-paced environment. Ability to grasp and interpret legal documents. Systematic knowledge of databases and tracking systems. Excellent organizational skills – good attention to detail and well organized. Excellent verbal and written communication skills – verbal and written. Must be able to lift 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or amount of force constantly to move objects. Must have database and record management skills. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, One Drive, and scheduling software. Must have skills in organizing resources and establishing priorities. Must be able to travel between multiple CHIRLA sites, including Los Angeles branch offices. Must be able to travel to courthouses throughout Southern California. Spanish fluency is required as the job requires extensive representation in the Spanish language. Flexibility is required based on the needs of the organization. The position may involve some evening and weekend work. Desired Traits or Characteristic Ability to maintain positive working relationships with staff, members, and allies. Ability to work effectively under pressure with last-minute deadlines. Experience collaborating with community organizations in local geographic area. Highly self-motivated, creative, takes initiative, ability to learn quickly, flexible, and able to work as part of an interdisciplinary team of advocates. Must be able to work efficiently and manage multiple projects at once, which may be at different stages of design and execution. Self-motivated – proven ability to work independently and open to be innovative and creative. Dedication and ability to work flexible hours. Ability to plan and prioritize work activities, meet deadlines and follow-up on assignments with minimum direction. Excellent problem-solving and follow-through skills. Excellent interpersonal and verbal and written communications skills. Proficient with Word, Excel, Power Point and other Microsoft Suite or other software utilized by CHIRLA. Proficient with E-immigration (Cerenade), case management systems utilized by CHIRLA. Strong commitment to CHIRLA’s mission of empowering low-income community groups and immigrants. Interest in and/or history of working for social justice. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to successfully relate to community residents. Support CHIRLA’s fundraising goals including annual fundraising drive and GALA activities. Able to work independently as well as a member of team. Job Title Program Assistant (Removal Defense, Legal Services) Salary & Benefits $30.00 - $33.38 CHIRLA also offers an excellent benefits package, which includes annual paid vacation; additional paid holiday leave in December; employer contribution to retirement account; health, dental, vision and life insurance plans. FLSA Classification Non-Exempt/Hourly, full-time, regular Classification CHIRLA recognizes a staff bargaining unit affiliated with AFSCME Local 4501. This position is included in CHIRLA’s bargaining unit and covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. REPORTS TO Managing Attorney CLOSING DATE OF THIS POSITION Position will remain open until filled LOCATION Los Angeles, Headquarters CA CHIRLA is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and administers all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, appointment, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers, training and educational opportunities without regard to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information as defined by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age (40 or older), sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status, pregnancy or pregnancy related disability, military or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation. All such discrimination is unlawful. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. All such discrimination is unlawful. #J-18808-Ljbffr