The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) seeks a bilingual legal assistant to support attorneys representing detained individuals in their removal proceedings. The legal assistant position is a full-time position based in CARECEN’s San Bernardino Office.  

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

CARECEN was founded in 1983 by Salvadoran refugees and other human rights activists who worked to secure legal status for the thousands of Central Americans fleeing civil war. Today, CARECEN’s mission is to promote the human and civil rights of Central Americans and all immigrant communities through legal and educational services, and by advocating and organizing to transform immigration and education policies. CARECEN is committed to coordinating a community response to serve the needs of unaccompanied minors fleeing violence in Central America and adults detained at the Adelanto Detention Facility.

The CARECEN Legal Department offers a dynamic work environment for passionate, social justice-oriented advocates. Our legal program provides direct legal representation to thousands of clients each year seeking family-based immigration assistance, citizenship, asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), VAWA, T and U visas, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, Temporary Protected Status, NACARA, and other relief, both affirmatively and in immigration court. In addition to direct representation, CARECEN engages in advocacy at the local and national levels on the issues of immigration reform, combating notario fraud, and advocating for the legal and non-legal needs of the immigrant community.

JOB DUTIES

• Conduct intake of potential and retained clients.
• Assist clients in gathering supporting documents, preparing their declarations, and preparing for hearings/interviews.
• Assist clients in preparing motions before the Executive Office of

Immigration Review, Asylum applications, Cancellation of Removal applications, NACARA applications, and other immigration-related forms.

• Assist clients in accessing services, including mental health and medical services.
• Assist Staff Attorneys with data reporting requirements and other administrative matters.

Translate documents from Spanish-to-English (and vice versa).

• File documents with the Immigration Court and USCIS.
• Assist other departments as needed.
• Assist in data collection and data reporting.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience in immigration law (preferred)
• Verbal and written fluency in Spanish and English languages required.
• Excellent communication, interviewing, and writing skills required.
• Self-confidence, ability to interact with government agencies and advocate on behalf of

client's interests required.

• Sensitivity and desire to work with low-income, immigrant families.
• Attention to detail and effective time management skills strongly preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of clients and volunteers.
• Demonstrated commitment to mission and goals of CARECEN.
• Demonstrated willingness to work under minimal supervision.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time position paid at an hourly rate of $15.00 – 19.00, depending on experience. The position includes a generous benefits package including, medical, dental, and vision.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Candidates encouraged to apply immediately.

TO APPLY

Please email a cover letter, resume, and three references to: Camila Alvarez ([email protected]). Candidates are urged to be specific regarding level of Spanish proficiency and preferred area(s) of focus in the cover letter. CARECEN will give preference to candidates with professional experience in state court matters and/or immigration law. Candidates should describe experience with these matters in their cover letter. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Applicants must apply directly; no search firms or legal recruiters (no exceptions). No inquiries please.

CARECEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, political affiliation, condition of physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation, in accordance with requirements of Federal and State laws.