Administrative Assistant, Immigration Legal Services

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement.  

IRC Background: The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the IRC has a presence in over 40 countries and 27 offices in the United States; the IRC leads the way from harm to home. 

Job Overview: 

The Administrative Assistant will serve as the central point of contact for clients with the IRC Immigration Legal Services team, and provide administrative support to the team. This position involves working directly with clients in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professional standards for capturing accurate information, coordinating client appointments, and facilitating high quality communication. The Administrative Assistant will also conduct outreach to the broader community regarding services available through the IRC immigration program. This position reports to the Managing Attorney, but works closely with all members of the immigration team. 

Major Responsibilities: 

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of IRC Oakland’s case acceptance policies, which include enrollment eligibility criteria across immigration legal services programs. 
• Conduct preliminary screenings for walk-in clients seeking immigration legal services to determine potential program eligibility and triage scheduling or inclusion on a waitlist. 
• Schedule appointments for immigration clients with legal assistants, legal representatives, and/or attorneys; follow up with clients through reminder text messages and/or phone calls.
• Maintain a detailed, accurate and comprehensive database of walk-in clients and returning clients, including basic biographic information, current contact information, and other data as needed.
• Answer phone calls, emails and text messages from clients and resolve common client concerns, such as regarding updated contact information, position on waitlists for services, or estimated USCIS case processing times; follow protocols to appropriately relay questions requiring legal analysis or more detailed case information to team members; and log all client communications in the case management software.
• Track inquiries for services, gathering data to inform program operations and services as identified by the Managing Attorney. Data may include number of walk-in clients, referral sources, waitlist times, and requested services. 
• Open and log all mail (USCIS/NVC correspondence) for immigration programs into the case management software.
• Create and maintain virtual and/or physical case files according to standardized model. 
• Scan and upload clear and complete copies of case-related documents to Box; print and prepare clear and complete copies of materials to be submitted to USCIS as part of legal filings.
• In coordination with the [supervisor], conduct monthly administrative file review. 
• Understand and strictly abide by rules of confidentiality and protocols regarding unauthorized practice of law.
• Other tasks and projects as assigned.

Job Requirements: 

• Bilingual English and a major client language highly preferred. Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of and / or interest to learn about immigration legal services.
•  Experience working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment is required; experience with individuals who are Limited English Proficient (LEP) highly desired. 
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills combined with a solid ability to prioritize duties, coordinate time effectively, and excel in a client-facing, fast-paced position. 
• Interest and ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, and Outlook) and web-based applications (i.e. Google forms, Box, ETO, databases).

Work Environment: 

• Standard office setting at IRC’s office in Oakland

Compensation: (Pay Range: $22.89-24.00/hr) Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

This is a short-term role with an anticipated end date of September 30, 2026, and is not eligible for IRC's full benefits package. 

U.S. Benefits for Short‑Term Employees: Short‑term roles are not eligible for IRC’s full benefits package. However, U.S.‑based short‑term employees are eligible for a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) along with a non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting), paid sick leave in accordance with policy, and access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counseling and mental health support for employees and their families.  

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.