Legal and Social Services Coordinator

Human Rights First•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The Legal and Social Services Coordinator will work as part of Human Rights First’s Los Angeles-based Refugee Representation team to provide general legal and social service support to asylum seekers receiving legal assistance from Human Rights First’s Refugee Representation Program, which provides in-house and pro bono legal assistance to asylum seekers, primarily in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C. The Legal and Social Services Coordinator will work closely with our asylum-seeking clients, in-house staff attorneys, and pro bono volunteer attorneys. The Legal and Social Services Coordinator will coordinate and conduct initial screenings and interviews with asylum seekers; handle the administrative details of HRF’s asylum legal representation work, including scheduling and case management; and assist with identifying needs and gaps in services to assist eligible clients in accessing public benefits and other social service programs that support clients’ basic needs.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree.
At least one year of post-college work experience in a related field with previous experience working with asylum-seekers or refugees strongly preferred.
A strong record of intercultural responsiveness, sensitivity and awareness, and cross-cultural communication skills.
Ability to communicate patiently, respectfully and empathically with individuals from a variety of backgrounds with a focus on trauma informed care.
Fluency in Spanish required; fluency in additional languages, is highly desirable.
Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication, with advanced research and analytical skills.
Superb organizational skills, including the ability to manage numerous tasks simultaneously, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
Capacity to prioritize duties, and work independently while functioning as a member of a team.
Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of database, word processing, and spreadsheet applications.
Good judgment and attention to detail.
Adaptability to embrace and navigate new, dynamic projects, and an ability to recognize and maximize opportunities on behalf of the organization.
Interest in becoming a Department of Justice (DOJ) partially accredited representative, and willingness to meet all prerequisites necessary for eligibility.

Nice To Haves

Broad knowledge and adequate experience in immigration law and procedure, especially asylum law, preferred.

Responsibilities

Respond to inquiries and requests for assistance from asylum seekers, including scheduling, coordinating, and conducting initial screening interviews.
Perform in-depth, detailed interviews with potential clients, who are often victims of persecution and human rights abuses, to ascertain their eligibility for asylum and representation through our program; and conduct related country conditions research.
Assist in placing accepted cases with appropriate volunteer attorneys; communicate in a responsive and efficient manner with volunteer attorneys, other human rights organizations, and the public; and assist in the provision of support for volunteer attorneys.
Contact volunteer attorneys and clients to obtain updates on cases; coordinate the case closure process; and serve as liaison among volunteer attorneys, clients, and in-house Refugee Representation team staff.
Assist with organizing legal trainings and other events.
Assist in managing the Refugee Representation team’s administrative/clerical needs by: compiling information packets and case summaries; Entering, maintaining, and retrieving data, including entering new cases and contacts into the Refugee Representation Program’s case management database; Maintaining and organizing electronic and hard copy files, correspondence, and publications; and Coordinating meetings and draft agendas.
Conduct assessments of referred clients to determine their psycho-social needs and assist them with appropriate referrals.
Develop and maintain a knowledge base of social services available to clients in assigned work areas.
Establish working relationships and partnerships with local service providers and administrators to enhance the referral process.
Complete referrals to services, assist families in completing intake requirements for these services, and follow up as necessary.
Identify clients eligible for enrollment in donation-based programs, such as Family-to-Family, and administer and distribute donations received through those programs.
Support organizational outreach, development, and advocacy objectives, including assisting with creating content, building coalitions, and planning and executing fundraising events.
Assist with the hiring, orientation, and supervision of interns and ensure that these volunteers are fully and meaningfully intellectually engaged.
Coordinate client-support services.
Assist with grant reporting and maintenance of relevant data.
Other duties as requested, based on department and/or organizational need.
DOJ Accreditation If not accredited, the Legal Services Coordinator will undertake the necessary training and submit an application for partial accreditation within one year of undertaking this role.
For those already accredited and recognized at another organization, an application for accreditation must be submitted to become recognized as a DOJ partial accredited representative.
Upon becoming accredited, the Legal Services Coordinator must maintain valid accreditation status throughout the duration of this position, undergoing ongoing legal training and timely submitting renewal documents.
A DOJ Partially-Accredited Representative will represent, under an Attorney’s supervision, a limited number of clients in their application before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), including but not limited to applications for asylum, employment authorization, adjustment of status, Temporary Protected Status, family petitions, and FOIA requests, not to exceed 15% of the overall caseload.
A DOJ Partially-Accredited Representative may also be asked also accompany clients to their check-ins with U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) and the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP), two agencies under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).