During this current situation with COVID-19, the ABA will
continue to accept and process applications for job opportunities.  We
will conduct our recruitment process via alternative means (virtual interviews)
for the time being.

The ABA recruits employees seeking opportunities for challenging and substantive work defending liberty and pursuing justice in the U.S. and around the world.  The ABA offers competitive employment benefits which include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k), commuter benefits, and more.

ProBAR empowers immigrants through high-quality legal education, representation, and connections to services. ProBAR serves immigrants in the Rio Grande Valley border region with a particular focus on the legal needs of adults and unaccompanied children in federal custody. Founded in 1989 as a project of the American Bar Association, ProBAR’s office is located in Harlingen, TX. For more information about ProBAR, please visit our website: https://ambar.org/probar

Job Summary/ General Purpose of Job

Accountable for responding to incoming calls, providing general legal information to custodians of unaccompanied children, fielding calls by adult detained clients, reporting trends, managing visitors, and upholding safety, security, and business continuity protocol.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)

·Provides general, telephonic legal information to custodians of released unaccompanied children; fields and transfers calls by detained adult clients to appropriate staff.

·Refers released children and their sponsors to departments within the organization that may be able to assist with additional services or support, as well as pro bono or low-cost legal representation services in their area.

·Performs tasks related to visitor and lobby management; provides hospitality, serves as a general source of information to staff and visitors; upholds safety and security protocol including support with emergency response.

·Reports issues, challenges, and trends related to provision of services; participates in monthly intradepartmental roundtable meetings.

·Complies with all data reporting business rules for funders and case management.

·Works with teams and stakeholders to maintain and execute business continuity plans and continue vital operations amid disruption or disaster.

·Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

·Possession of a high school diploma or GED.

·One year work experience providing services to clients, including knowledge of available services, and ability to evaluate questions and needs and determine appropriate actions to be taken. · Advanced to superior proficiency in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms.

·Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 products and Google Business tools.

·Must be able to notice client verbal and non-verbal cues.

·Devotion to exceptional customer service; strong interpersonal skills.

·Able to problem solve issues while providing guidance to client in stressful situations.

·Capable of adapting quickly to new changes or circumstances; capable of managing stress; demonstrate commitment to servant leadership values. 

·Proficient with conducting virtual meetings, training, and observations on software platforms such as Zoom, Teams, etc. 

·Must have reliable home Internet and phone service. 

 Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

·Possession of an associate degree in business administration, legal studies, or other work-related field.

·Prior experience entering information in a case management database.

·Prior volunteer, community, or work experience regarding immigration or detention.

·Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration detention.

Physical Requirements

Typical office setting. Continuously operates a computer and other office machinery, such as telephone, copy machine, and computer printer.

Extent of Travel Required in the Job

As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel of less than 5% of the time.

Benefits Offered

·Medical insurance   
·Prescription insurance

·Dental insurance     

·Vision Insurance

·Voluntary life insurance
·Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

·Short- and Long-term disability insurance
·Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

·Prepaid Legal Plan · 401(k)

·Paid company holidays
·Personal time off

·Vacation time off
·PSLF Participant
 
In addition to competitive pay and employment benefits, ProBAR takes pride in taking care of its employees. There are abundant development opportunities including onsite, offsite, and online training and workshops. ProBAR has also created its own initiatives like paid time off for self-care, staff-led wellness programs, and counseling. Working for the ABA connects you to an extensive network of dedicated professionals, and ProBAR’s work at the border gives a unique perspective on immigration law.

The Location:

ProBAR is located in the Rio Grande Valley, a thriving region that boasts a rich culture, affordable cost of living, subtropical climate, and beautiful natural areas to enjoy. Recent growth has brought the RGV unprecedented investments in higher education and scientific research. Three local airports connect RGV residents to destinations around the country while Mexico is only a short drive away. The region’s delicious food, world-class nature parks, and the beaches of South Padre Island provide ample opportunities to relax and recharge!

COVID-19 Response:

ProBAR leadership has responded proactively to support the health and wellbeing of our staff and the individuals we serve. We are currently providing the majority of our legal services remotely while telecommuting. During this period of remote work, we continue to accept applications and interview for open positions. Timelines for hiring may be a bit more extended than usual so that we can ensure everyone’s safety as new staff members transition and join the team, but we encourage interested candidates to apply and begin the process today.

The Application Process:

Visit the job posting and submit an online application including your cover letter and resume.

The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association please call 956-365-3775 or contact [email protected].

Residency requirements may apply.

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