The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 50 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
Job Overview:
The Administrative Assistant will serve as the central point of contact for clients with the IRC Immigration Legal Services team and provide administrative support to the team. This position involves working directly with clients in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professional standards for capturing accurate information, coordinating client appointments, and facilitating high quality communication. The Administrative Assistant will also conduct outreach to the broader community regarding services available through the IRC immigration program. This position reports to the staff attorney but works closely with all members of the immigration team.
Major Responsibilities:
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of IRC Abilene’s case acceptance policies, which include enrollment eligibility criteria across immigration legal services programs.
- Conduct preliminary screenings for walk-in clients seeking immigration legal services to determine potential program eligibility and triage scheduling or inclusion on a waitlist.
- Schedule appointments for immigration clients with legal assistants, legal representatives, and/or attorneys; follow up with clients through reminder text messages and/or phone calls.
- Maintain a detailed, accurate and comprehensive database of walk-in clients and returning clients, including basic biographic information, current contact information, and other data as needed.
- Answer phone calls, emails and text messages from clients and resolve common client concerns, such as regarding updated contact information, position on waitlists for services, or estimated USCIS case processing times; follow protocols to appropriately relay questions requiring legal analysis or more detailed case information to team members; and log all client communications in the case management software.
- Track inquiries for services, gathering data to inform program operations and services as identified by the Staff Attorney. Data may include number of walk-in clients, referral sources, waitlist times, and requested services.
- Open and log all mail (USCIS/NVC correspondence) for immigration programs into the case management software.
- Create and maintain virtual and/or physical case files according to standardized model.
- Scan and upload clear and complete copies of case-related documents to Box; print and prepare clear and complete copies of materials to be submitted to USCIS as part of legal filings.
- In coordination with the Staff Attorney, conduct monthly administrative file review.
- Understand and strictly abide by rules of confidentiality and protocols regarding unauthorized practice of law.
- Other tasks and projects as assigned by the Staff Attorney.
Job Requirements:
- Bilingual in English and Spanish highly preferred. Fluency in spoken and written English.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Knowledge of and / or interest to learn about immigration legal services.
- Experience working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment is required; experience with individuals who are Limited English Proficient (LEP) highly desired.
- Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills combined with a solid ability to prioritize duties, coordinate time effectively, and excel in a client-facing, fast-paced position.
- Interest and ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, and Outlook) and web-based applications (i.e. Google forms, Box, ETO, databases).
Work Environment:
- Standard office setting at IRC’s office in Abilene; regular evening or weekend activities as needed.
- Access to reliable transportation to travel and work off-site at programs (i.e. schools, apartment complexes, etc.).
Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
US Benefits: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12-month time period.
Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.