Unit Coordinator
17 days ago
Philadelphia
Job Description Make a difference! Become a Defender! The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking a highly organized, professional, and detailed oriented Unit Coordinator for our Immigration Unit. The Immigration Unit will provide direct legal services in immigration law matters by representing clients in immigration court hearings, immigration appeals, and federal filings with USCIS, U.S. Department of State, and federal courts. In addition, the unit will provide immigration analysis and advice in Pennsylvania criminal cases involving non-citizen defendants for whom the Defender Association is appointed. Because the Immigration Unit is a new unit within the Defender Association, the Unit Coordinator will work closely with the Chief to develop the administrative structure of the unit. The Unit Coordinator will be asked to provide input on what systems and processes they think will best position the unit to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible. If you are creative, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and are driven by mission-oriented work, we encourage you to apply. This position as a Unit Coordinator is funded by a sub-award contract with Nationalities Services Center and under its terms, the funding, and thus this position ends on June 30, 2026, unless the Nationalities Services Center and/or the Defenders gets continued funding. While we hope that the funding continues beyond that date, we cannot guarantee employment past that date. What You’ll Do • Assist in developing organizational systems, procedures, and policies for the Immigration Unit., • Maintain, organize and implement systems and policies related to file flow, file management, retention, archiving and shredding in line with office policy, • Process and prepare files for immigration clients represented within the unit, • Maintain and update internal databases for immigration unit clients, • Collect and collate unit data, and create data reports, as needed, • Assist the Chief with unit scheduling, attorney case assignments, and unit efficiencies, • Create and disseminate monthly and weekly unit schedules; 1 on 1 calendaring, and track and maintain vacation schedules for the unit, • Serve as initial point of contact for clients, family members, and others calling into the unit; route phone calls to appropriate people within the office., • Handle communications with the courts and external entities, as needed, • Perform general and specific administrative tasks as needed, including preparing legal files for attorneys, typing and editing court filings or other legal written work product, drafting letters and correspondence to clients, and updating case information in DCM and other internal unit databases, • Perform other related duties, as assigned. What You’ll Need • Bachelor or Associate degree with paralegal certification, or any equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience, preferred, • Fluency in Spanish, preferred, • Experience working with indigent clients in criminal justice or immigration proceedings, preferred., • Excellent written and verbal communication skills., • Organizational skills and attention to detail., • Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, and respectfully with clients, family members, internal staff, and external agencies/personnel., • Strong analytical skills and ability to problem-solve independently., • Ability to work in a high-volume practice and prioritize assignments effectively., • Commitment to professionalism in the workplace., • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar computer software., • Working knowledge of Defender computer databases (e.g., DCM, Return Work) preferred., • General knowledge of basic administrative and clerical systems., • Travel to go to court and the Philadelphia county jails if necessary. Benefits & Perks • Generous and rich benefits plan including choice of affordable medical plans, and employer paid: dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance and professional liability insurance, • Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays, • Retirement Savings Employer Match, • Paid parental leave, • Free Septa Anywhere Key Card, • Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer, • Meaningful Work, • Wellness Benefits, • Ongoing Training and Development of You Who is the Defender Association? The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers. The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender’s Pretrial Unit and follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn. The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.