Immigration Legal Services (ILS): Legal Data Assistant

Related Program: Refugee & Immigration Services

80 Sherman Street
Portland

The Immigration Legal Data Assistant will receive basic training in immigration law, specifically focused on United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes. This training will allow them to support immigration legal representatives and volunteers with form completion for our clients.

The Legal Data Assistant will also organize and quantify legal data by maintaining and/or updating databases.  the position will require handling and categorizing USCIS physical and electronic correspondence and updating spreadsheets and/or case software.

As a member of the ILS team, the Legal Data Assistant will attend weekly ILS team meetings to discuss legislative updates and case consultations  The Legal Data Assistant will have the opportunity to support the Accredited Representatives and Attorneys and volunteers on their cases with forms work and legal filings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Enter client data into USCIS benefit application forms
• Help organize applications and supporting documents for filing
• Scanning and copying filings
• Assist ILS Administrative Coordinator with data entry and USCIS correspondence

Impact of Opportunity:

Qualifications & Skills Required:

• Ability to approach cultural & age differences humbly from a place of learning.
• Commitment to ongoing self-reflection to examine privilege and prejudices
• Willingness to learn from immigrants and promote respect
• Ability to build relationships and establish trust
• Patience, flexibility, and dependability
• Outgoing with excellent communication skills - Language skills helpful
• Strong organizational, computer and writing skills
• Experience and/or strong interest in working with people from different cultural backgrounds

Training Offered:

• Catholic Charities Maine Volunteer Orientation video series
• Ongoing RIS program/department orientation with various staff
• Weekly supervision with Program Manager
• Webinars & courses from Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange, Switchboard

Time Commitment & Schedule: 6 hours per day during work hours on Mondays and Tuesdays for a period of 8 weeks, from approximately October 7, 2024 through December 3, 2024 (subject to change)

Benefits:

• An increased understanding of USCIS immigration processes
• Experience assisting with immigration benefit application preparation 
• Exposure to new cultures
• Learn about barriers immigrants face and how nonprofits can help overcome them
• Learn about the resettlement process for refugees and asylees

Program Contact: Eliana Trenam, ILS Manager:  207-560-7689

Click Here to Apply Online

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