Legal Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Description : JOB SUMMARY

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.

MINISTERIAL CHARACTER

Catholic Charities is a religious organization founded by the Catholic Diocese of Austin to provide direct social services to those in need.

Catholic Charities helps the Bishop of Austin fulfill Christ’s mission in Central Texas. Positions at Catholic Charities of Central Texas help to extend the ministry of the Catholic Church in particular ways.

Therefore, the Catholic Charities of Central Texas employee in this position is related to and assists the Catholic Church in the performance of its ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the Diocese of Austin in both your professional and personal life.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Complete immigration forms and prepare well-written client declarations, statements, and correspondence.
• Conduct legal research and provide oral and written legal research findings to the Case Manager.
• Maintain communication with clients and follow-up as necessary.
• Maintain high quality data entry and perform case management in Fast Visa.
• Screen callers for eligibility for legal services.
• Translate documents.
• Participate as an attendee and / or presenter in 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 work independently and with a minimum of supervision.
• 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 comfortably 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 Adobe Acrobat 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 Training :

High School Diploma or GED acceptable to Texas Education Agency.

Experience :

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

Language Requirement :

English proficient in conversing, reading, and writing.

Licenses / Certifications :

• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.

Preferred Qualifications :

Language Requirement

Bilingual English and Spanish or Pashto or Dari or Urdu (proficient in conversing, writing, and reading).

BUSINESS HOURS 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 is 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.

Requirements :