Job Summary

The Legal Assistant is responsible for providing general support to case managers with legal case management and client services in the Immigration Legal Services Program

Essential Skills

• Complete immigration forms and prepare well written clients declarations, statements and correspondence.
• Conduct legal research and provide oral and written legal research findings.
• Maintain communication with clients and follow-up as necessary.
• Convert cases electronically, maintain high quality data entry and perform case management in the LawLogix system and Fast Visa Systems.
• Screen callers for eligibility for legal services.
• Translate documents.
• Participate as an attendee and/or presenter on workshops on immigration matters.
• Provide backup to front desk and take mail to the Post Office (as needed).
• Participate as an active team member of Catholic Charities.
• Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to staff and customers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to proficiently communicate in English and Spanish (conversing, reading and writing).
• Ability to work independently, with a minimum of supervision, and to understand office operations.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing, clearly, accurately in a proficient, professional, pleasant and effective manner.
• Ability to be creative, accurate and have attention to detail.
• Ability to process changes with short notice.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including low-income persons and other disadvantaged persons.
• Ability to conformably work in a faith-based environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to operate various word processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs such as: Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Acrobat Adobe Pro.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and utilize effective time management techniques to meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to create and foster an environment consistent with agency culture, mission, vision, and values.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with all segments of the community (parishes, priests, religious, laity, Catholic ministries, civic leaders and community agencies).
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers and work effectively with others.
• Ability to travel throughout a 25 county service region as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Trainings:

• High School Diploma or GED acceptable to Texas Education Agency.

Experience:

• One (1) year of full-time wage-earning experience in clerical or administrative assistant role.

Language:

• Bilingual English-Spanish (proficient in conversing, writing, and reading).

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver's license.

Business Hour and Location

Regular office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. This position may require working some evenings and weekends.

Working Conditions

• Catholic Charities is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by Catholic Charities of Central Texas are tobacco free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct and speech including Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.
• May be required to use personal or agency vehicles to drive to off-site locations through a 25 county region.
• Traveling within and outside the 25 county service region for meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.