Legal Assistant - Washington, D.C
Human Rights First
http://www,humanrightsfirst.org
Description:
Washington, DC Office
LEGAL ASSISTANT - ASYLUM
Human Rights First works in the United States and abroad to create a secure and humane world by advancing justice, human dignity and respect for the rule of law. We support human rights activists who fight for basic freedoms and peaceful change at the local level; protect refugees in flight from persecution and repression; help build a strong international system of justice and accountability; and make sure human rights laws and principles are enforced in the United States and abroad.
Human Rights First's Asylum Program works to provide legal protection for refugees based on international human rights standards. As part of the program, it recruits volunteer lawyers to represent individual indigent refugees seeking asylum. Human Rights First provides legal representation for approximately 150 asylum applicants per year.
The Asylum Program is seeking a Legal Assistant for the Washington, D.C. office to work closely with volunteer attorneys; to handle the complex administrative details of the program; to coordinate the schedules, informational packets, case summaries, and computer databases; to schedule, coordinate and conduct initial interviews with asylum seekers; and to participate in all of those activities required to smoothly handle this complex process confidentially and competently.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:
• Handling the administrative/clerical details of the program providing administrative support, including correspondence, memos, faxes, reports, appointments, file system development and maintenance, coordinating schedules, compiling and updating informational packets, composing case summaries, updating country condition research, and creating and maintaining computer databases;
• Responding to inquiries and requests for assistance from asylum seekers, including scheduling, coordinating and conducting initial screening interviews;
• Performing in-depth, detailed interviews in-house and at area detention facilities with potential clients, who are often victims of torture and human rights abuses;
• Managing the timely and compassionate responses to potential clients; placing accepted cases with appropriate volunteer attorneys;
• Communicating in a responsive and efficient manner with volunteer attorneys, other human rights organizations and the public; provide legal training and support for volunteer attorneys;
• Plan and attend liaison meetings with government agencies and local non-governmental organizations;
• Support the program's advocacy efforts, including assistance in drafting action alerts, web page maintenance, and the development of advocacy materials;
• Assisting with the hiring, orientation and supervision of interns and assuring that these volunteers are used as quality resources for those seeking asylum.
Qualification:
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree and at least one year of working experience in a related field;
• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication;
• Superb organization skills, including the ability to manage numerous tasks simultaneously, work under pressure and meet unexpected deadlines;
• Advanced-level proficiency and previous experience in a variety of computer software applications (MS Office – especially Internet Explorer, MS Word XP. Excel; Outlook), and database management;
• The ability to exercise judgment and show initiative;
• Fluency in French and/or Spanish required. Other languages welcome.
ANNUAL SALARY: Competitive, Excellent benefits.
START DATE: THIS IS AN IMMEDIATE HIRE
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: APRIL 14, 2006
SUBMISSIONS (E-mail Preferred): - Cover letter (with Salary History and Salary Requirement) - Resume - 2 Unedited Writing Samples (15-page maximum, double-spaced with 12 pt. font); - Names and contact details for three (3) references
TO:
ATTN: HR – Legal Assistant-WDC E-MAIL: HumanResources@HumanRightsFirst.org
HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST ATTN: HR – Legal Assistant-WDC 333 Seventh Avenue, 13th floor New York, NY 10001-5004
Please do not send by mail AND email AND fax; choose one method of delivery. All applicants will be notified of our receipt of application; only selected applicants will be contacted for phone or in-person interviews. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.
HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. WE CONSIDER APPLICANTS FOR ALL POSITIONS WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, CREED, GENDER, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, MARITAL OR VETERAN STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR ANY OTHER LEGALLY PROTECTED STATUS. www.HumanRightsFirst.org
Email:
humanresources@humanrightsfirst.org
Apply by:
April 14, 2006