Legal Assistant

U.S. Comm For Refuge; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) is hiring a Legal Assistant, UAC Legal Services, to support direct legal services for Unaccompanied Alien Children in ORR care. You will handle administrative duties, case management, and legal support for attorneys and volunteers.

You will coordinate legal orientations, prepare case files, collect data, and assist with filings and reporting. Join a team focused on providing high-quality support to vulnerable youth and families across ORR

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent; paralegal or related degree preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a legal, immigration services, case management, or administrative support role.
• Prior experience working with children, youth, or vulnerable populations preferred.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and document management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and case management databases.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Demonstrated support for organizational values by respecting others and fostering a multicultural workplace.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support legal orientation presentations for UAC within the immigration system.
• Assist with scheduling, logistics, and materials for legal orientations at ORR shelters and facilities.
• Support legal consultations by gathering documents and maintaining records.
• Maintain accurate case notes in case management systems.
• Assist in tracking client appointments, deadlines, and follow-up activities.
• Provide administrative and case management support for UAC receiving legal services in ORR care.
• Prepare and maintain physical and electronic case files.
• Assist attorneys with immigration applications and court filings.
• Coordinate collection of client records and supporting documentation.
• Draft routine correspondence and non-substantive legal documents.
• Monitor filing deadlines and ensure timely submissions.
• Support attorneys in immigration court hearings.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Microsoft Office Suite

Case management databases

Confidentiality

Multitasking

Education

Associate's degree

Paralegal certificate

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Case management databases

Job description

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), established in 1911, is a nongovernmental, not-for-profit international organization dedicated to addressing the needs and rights of refugees and immigrants. USCRI, working with nearly 200 affiliates, provides legal, social, and health services to refugees, unaccompanied migrating children, trafficking survivors, and other immigrants in all 50 states, El Salvador, Honduras, Kenya, and Mexico. USCRI advocates for the rights of refugees and immigrants both nationally and globally, helping to drive humanitarian policies, practices, and law. To learn more about our work, please visit our website at www.refugees.org.

OVERVIEW

The Legal Assistant, UAC Legal Services, supports the delivery of direct legal services to Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) currently in the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). The Legal Assistant provides administrative, case management, and legal support services to attorneys and volunteer attorneys working with UAC. 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 legal staff to help ensure high-quality legal services are provided to UAC in ORR care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal Orientation/Legal Consultations

• Coordinate and support legal orientation presentations concerning the rights and responsibilities of UAC within 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.
• Maintain accurate case notes and client information in case management systems.
• Assist in tracking client appointments, deadlines, and follow‑up activities.

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.

Data Collection and Reporting

• 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.

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions. All job duties indicated are not be considered an exhaustive statement and other job‑related duties may be assigned as required by the supervisor(s).

REQUIREMENTS

• Associate's degree, paralegal certificate, or bachelor's degree in a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a legal, immigration services, case management, or administrative support role.
• Prior experience working with children, youth, or vulnerable populations preferred.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and document management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and case management databases.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Demonstrated support for organizational values by exhibiting respect for others, maintaining confidential information, and fostering an appreciation for a multicultural workplace.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with immigration law programs and/or legal service organizations.
• Experience assisting with immigration applications and court filings.
• Spanish proficiency.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Such accommodations must be requested by the applicant to be considered.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a policy of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, domestic partnership status, marital status, physical or mental disability, AIDS/HIV status, age, political affiliation, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.