Legal Assistant Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque Cedar Rapids, IA Job Details Full-time 5 hours ago Benefits Travel reimbursement Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Paid time off 401(k) matching Life insurance Qualifications Customer communication Microsoft Excel Professional ethics Writing skills Legal administrative experience Organizational skills Law office experience Productivity software Office management Legal case management Non-profit experience

Editing Full Job Description Job Summary:

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque is committed to welcome immigrants and refugees into our churches and communities and provide affordable, high-quality legal services, education and advocacy. The Legal Assistant will assist the Director and immigration attorneys in the Immigration Legal Services program in achieving quality legal services to immigrants and refugees. Catholic Social teaching is the foundation to our work: The values of service, integrity, respect, unity, and stewardship are expected to be demonstrated in all aspects of work. This position is non-exempt and conforms to the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Non-exempt employees are paid by the hours worked.

Agency Mission, Vision & Values:

Catholic Charities is the social service organization of the Archdiocese of Dubuque responding to persons in need according to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. All employees should possess an understanding and commitment to these foundational principles . We envision a community that works to strengthen families, reduce poverty and empower communities. The values of service, integrity, dignity, respect, unity, and stewardship are expected to be demonstrated by all employees.

Job Duties/Tasks:

Office Administration Perform general office organization, maintenance and management including responding to telephone calls, filing mailing, clinic schedules, client follow-up appointments, etc. Organize and maintain physical and electronic case files (Lawlogix) Assist in creating/opening and organizing client files, including entering and updating cases in Lawlogix Collect fees from clients, issue receipts, and deposit revenues as per policy manual Maintain and update physical and electronic case files regularly and within confidential guidelines Develop and provide reports to Director, as needed and/or requested Monitor and notify Administrative Assistant of office supply needs Client Communication First point of contact for prospective walk-in clients, attend to client present in the office Conduct preliminary screening of prospective clients with ILS intake form Schedule client follow-up appointments for ILS staff Answer and manage calls or messages for ILS staff. If necessary, send email to general attorneys with messages, and then returns the calls with attorney response Set up appointments for new and existing clients or make follow-up appointment for caller with attorney, as requested by attorney or director Interpret and or translate written documents to/ from Spanish / English and other languages (or oversees other volunteer's translation of documents) Prepare client declarations and statements or client correspondences with attorney's supervision and approval Prepare forms and case documents with attorney's supervision and approval Send clients notices of biometrics appointments, interviews, swearing-in ceremonies, and some approval notices, as assigned by general attorneys Gather information and collect data from various sources Interview clients and witnesses, under the supervision of immigration attorney or Director Review all closed files before filing them in closed file cabinets to check for original documents or money orders/checks to be returned to clients Supervise volunteer or other admin staff in sending out reminder letters to people scheduled at clinics Complete all project paperwork in a timely manner Perform other duties as needed or assigned Preferred Experience and Skills Bachelor's Degree 1-3 year experience working with immigrants and refugees Knowledge of immigration processes and regulations Bilingual fluency in English/Spanish or English/French is preferred Previous experience as a legal assistant in an immigration-based practice Familiarity with the following software and products: Google products and platform including Gmail, calendar, contacts, sheets, etc.; LawLogix Possess a dedication to advancing the mission and strategic plan of Catholic Charities and an understanding of the scope of services Catholic Charities provides and ability to effectively communicate this to stakeholders (ie. clients, community partners, parishes, etc.)

Required Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Associate's Degree or equivalent training/experience Microsoft Word and Excel proficiency, intermediate computer skills Excellent organization, time management, and prioritization skills with high attention to detail Bilingual fluency (speaking, reading, and writing) in English and a second language that aligns with the needs of our program's client population Ability to learn quickly and adapt easily to changing circumstances Ability to work efficiently, independently in a document intensive and fast-paced environment Strong writing, proofreading, and document-preparation skills Ability to work with people of varying religious, cultural and linguistic backgrounds Demonstrated commitment to working in public interest in immigration or related areas in a non-profit setting Ability to interact with the public and representatives of other service providers in a professional manner Sensitive to the needs of limited-income and culturally diverse client population Demonstrate professional ethics and leadership Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills Have reliable transportation. Business related travel will be reimbursed.

To Apply:

Email a cover letter and resume to Kristin Fjelde at

Job Type:

Full-time Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person