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 providing general legal information to custodians of unaccompanied children and adult clients, approximately 25% of the time referring released unaccompanied children and their sponsors to other departments within the organization or pro bono or low-cost legal representation services in their area. Provides front desk support and security, provides mail support for the organization, and provides other administrative support for the organization.

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

• Provides general legal information, via telephone, including but not limited to, the automated immigration court system, the court process, general forms, and other related information to released unaccompanied children and their sponsors both locally and nationwide.

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

• Provides front desk support by greeting and welcoming guests, verifying appointments, and contacting  staff members of visitor arrivals, answering phones while practicing confidentiality when verifying caller information using the organization’s database, transfer calls after properly screening the calls.

• Provides front desk security by ensuring all visitors and staff wear visitor badges and adhere to check-in/checkout procedures, delivery procedures, and all other safety procedures. Operates the front desk when security professionals are away.

• Provides mail support for the organization. Responsibilities include gathering mail, stamping all mail, and going on daily mail runs to the local post office; receiving delivered mail, receive-stamping, sorting, and distributing to staff throughout the organization; Monitor and keep an inventory of stamps; assist staff on how to fill out mail forms and providing information on the proper envelopes to use.

• Provides other support for staff including checking voicemails and forwarding messages, booking conference rooms at their request, preparing coffee throughout the day, and providing meeting set-up assistance.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED.

• One year experience with work involving providing services to clients involving knowledge of the services provided and ability to evaluate questions and needs and determine the appropriate actions to be taken.

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms.

• Intermediate proficiency with Adobe and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, OneDrive, Teams).

• Must be familiar with conducting virtual meetings, training, and observations on software such as Zoom, Teams, etc.

• Must be able to pick up on client verbal and non-verbal cues.

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

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of an associate’s or higher degree in business administration, legal studies, or another work-related field.

• Prior experience with entering information in a legal 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.

Travel

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

Benefits Offered

· Medical and prescription insurance     

· Dental insurance 

· Vision insurance                                    

· Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 

· Voluntary life insurance                                

· 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

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. 

 

The Application Process:  

Submit an online application including your cover letter and resume. 

Hiring range based on experience: $29,200.00 to $31,840.00.

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].

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, IL, IN, DC, MD, VA, and TX.  Residency requirements may apply. 

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