Legal Assistant, Immigrant Rights Program

American Friends Service Committee•Newark, NJ

19h•$55,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker religious organization that promotes lasting peace with justice, as a practical expression of faith in action. Drawing on continuing spiritual insights and working with people of many backgrounds, we nurture the seeds of change and respect for human life that transform social relations and systems. Join Our Team! Make A Difference. POSITION DESCRIPTION TITLE: Legal Assistant, Immigrant Rights Program JOB CATEGORY: Exempt STATUS: Part-Time, 21 hours per week TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Specific Term (through December 2026) SUPERVISOR: Supervising Accredited Representative REGION/UNIT: Northeast Region LOCATION: Newark, New Jersey Hybrid DATE APPROVED: 04/2023 APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 30, 2026 For consideration, please attach your Cover Letter and Resume to the online application in addition to answering the Application Questions BACKGROUND: The American Friends Service Committee promotes a longstanding Quaker concern for the causes and impact of human migration. Since 1988, the Immigrant Rights Program based in New Jersey has worked to increase the protection of the rights of immigrants and refugees through legal representation, community education, community organizing, monitoring of rights, advocacy, and training. Since 1996, the AFSC has provided legal counseling and representation to thousands of immigrants, including people in detention, asylum seekers, youth, families, and survivors of domestic violence and other crimes. AFSC has also conducted training sessions and education to immigrant communities, social service providers and attorneys in New Jersey. GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION The Legal Assistant will be part of a team providing immigration legal services to low- income immigrants in . This position primarily supports the program’s fee-based affirmative immigration practice, with a focus on family-based immigration filings before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Legal Assistant is responsible for maintaining a client caseload and preparing immigration forms, applications, and supporting documentation under the direction and supervision of the Supervising Accredited Representative. There may be the possibility of applying for Department of Justice (DOJ) Accreditation upon eligibility Upon successful completion of accreditation, the employee can request from the Legal Services Director to be considered for a promotion.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of experience required.
Minimum: One year’s experience in immigration law, specifically with VAWA, U visas, and battered spouse waivers required.
Demonstrated commitment to social justice and interest in immigrant rights.
Must take initiative, be able to exercise sound judgment, be highly organized and detail-oriented, and possess strong time-management skills.
Fluency in written and oral English and Spanish required.
Demonstrated success working with vulnerable populations.
Strong written and oral communication skills including public speaking.
Self-motivated, detail oriented, well-organized, able to prioritize assignments and workload.
Ability to communicate effectively and build mutually respectful relationships with co-workers, clients, and the public.
Familiarity with software applications in a Windows environment, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Docket wise.
Ability to work in the evenings and/or weekends and to travel, as required.
Ability to work effectively independently and within a team environment.
Experience with standard Microsoft Office and related technology.
Must be capable of working under tight time constraints in a high-volume environment with multiple priorities.
Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations, of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.
Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies. Understanding of and compatibility with the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including non-violence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in an immigration law setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Supervising Accredited Representative, conduct initial consultations with clients to determine eligibility for various immigration benefits including , with a primary focus on family-based immigration, VAWA and U-visas, adjustment of status and naturalization applications. Draft client declarations, affidavits, and application cover letters.
Gather, review, and organize evidence and support materials.
Communicate with clients regarding case status, documentation needs, and USCIS notices.
Track deadlines, receipts, RFEs, and case outcomes.
Maintain client files in good order and up to date.
Respond to calls from immigrants who call our hotline and direct them to available services and resources.
Compile quarterly narrative and statistical data regarding case consultation and case representation. Assist in the documentation of the project’s experiences and in the preparation of AFSC quarterly reports and reports on funding sources.
Receive immigration fees from clients, provide receipts, and send bills as necessary to clients.
Assist in the coordination of pro se community workshops. Translate documents from Spanish to English.
Participate in AFSC staff meetings and case reviews.
Attend periodic immigration law training sessions and conferences.
Participate in person and virtual training and information sessions to provide information on immigration laws and policies to community members.
Participate in advocacy efforts to effect changes in immigration law and policy.
Regular attendance and punctuality are required.
Operates safely in all conditions and follows policies and procedures.
Other duties and projects assigned.