The mission of the International Institute of New England (IINE) is to create opportunities for refugees and immigrants to succeed through resettlement, education, career advancement and pathways to citizenship. One of the oldest and largest human services organizations for New Americans in the region, IINE serves more than 9,000 people each year in Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire. Our programs include case management, youth and family services, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), employment and skills training, and immigration legal services.

A dynamic, forward-looking, and rapidly growing non-profit organization, we seek well-qualified, solutions-focused candidates who are experts in their respective fields. Successful candidates will join a committed team of professional staff and volunteers who are devoted to welcoming and serving new Americans.

Overview

The International Institute of New England has a rapidly growing division which provides resettlement and limited legal assistance to families who have recently arrived in the United States experiencing homelessness in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We are searching for an energetic and committed Program Assistant to support the Resettlement Legal Services (RLS) team by providing critical data-entry, reporting, copying, mailing, and other administrative tasks. The position will be responsible for a high-volume of time-sensitive data-entry and casefile up-keep as well as following the RLS operating policies and procedures.

Position: Program Assistant, Shelter Services

• Department: Shelter Services
• Reports to: Managing Attorney, Shelter Services
• Supervises: N/A
• Status: Non-Exempt, Part-Time
• Location: Lowell, MA
• Position Format: On-site
• Pay: $24.04/hour

Responsibilities

• Assist with data entry and integration within RLS’s case management database systems, government reporting systems, and IINE’s internal systems
• Assist Managing Attorney with data retrieval for funding opportunities, contract reports, and internal reports
• Assists Managing Attorney with completing weekly program reports
• Attend regularly scheduled meetings and periodic training sessions
• Keep professional and accurate documentation using centralized database, including detailed case notes
• Update IINE client database with client information, attorney information, case deadlines, progress and outcomes
• Coordinate closely with other Institute programs and services
• Attend trainings and contractual meetings, as needed
• Attend staff meetings and a weekly project-focused meeting
• Provide exemplary customer service and satisfaction and maintain professionalism at all times
• Perform all other duties assigned by supervisor.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Some experience in immigration work or other relevant work experience
• Cultural sensitivity and exceptional client service
• Demonstrated ability to serve clients in a professional, welcoming, and efficient manner
• Highly-proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Prior experience with client management software such as Salesforce, Docketwise, Clio, or e-Immigration is preferred
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• A strong sense of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality
• High degree of intellectual curiosity
• Willingness to learn as much as possible about immigration work and to contribute to the smooth operation of the legal programs at IINE
• Cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers
• Fluency in Spanish, French, Portuguese, and/or Haitian Creole is a plus.

Education & Experience

• Experience with CRMs or other databases, or a demonstrated ability to learn new IT systems quickly
• Direct professional and/or volunteer experience serving marginalized populations
• Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

Work Environment Conditions

• Frequent interruptions from employees and clients – must have ability to multi-task
• Exposure to bright, overhead office lighting, use of office technology such as laptops, printers, mail machines, and other in-office equipment
• Frequent trips to USPS (walking-distance) required

Physical Demands

• Continuous sitting (or standing) at a desk for long periods of time
• Occasional lifting, pushing, and pulling materials (boxes, equipment) of 50 pounds
• Occasional driving to IINE’s three offices in Boston, Lowell, and Manchester.

Covid-19 Policy

IINE does not require applicants for most positions to show proof of Covid-19. Some federal contracts, however, require IINE staff to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination, and some immigration status adjustments, such as a Green Card, require proof of Covid-19 vaccination as well. Consequently, for some positions, IINE staff may be required to show proof of vaccination, and in others, IINE staff will be supporting clients who are required by law to have proof of vaccination in order to adjust their status in the United States.

US Work Eligibility Notice

This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States, and IINE is unable to provide visa sponsorship in connection with this.