The Organization
The Florence Project was founded in 1989 to respond to a representation crisis for indigent non-citizens detained at the rural Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention Center in Florence, Arizona. Through our programs today, we provide services to approximately 2,500 men, women, and children detained in Eloy, Florence, and Phoenix, Arizona on any given day. The Florence Project has become known nationally for its legal service delivery systems which ensure detained people empowered access to justice. The Florence Project provides high quality legal advice or representation and at the same time supports initiatives for national changes in immigration law and policy.

The Children's Initiative Legal Assistant Position
The Florence Project's Detained Immigrant and Refugee Children's Initiative - created in 2000 - educates, empowers and provides legal assistance to the approximately 200 immigrant minors in the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in Phoenix, Arizona. In 2007, the Children's Initiative provided legal services to over 1,200 minors, including know your rights presentations, intake, and representation in front of the Immigration Court.

On a daily basis, the legal assistant will work with detained minors, largely working independently, and coordinating with two staff attorneys and the shelter staff. S/he will conduct client intake interviews, discuss legal options with the children and observe court and when appropriate, refer released minors to legal providers. The legal assistant will also be responsible for daily case management and data entry, preparing supporting documentation and legal/country conditions research, and supporting the attorneys with legal work on children's merits cases such as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and political asylum. The Florence Project's office is located in Florence but the position requires the majority of time be spent in Phoenix - travel to Florence can be limited to one office day per week. The Florence Project has a satellite office space in Phoenix.

Requirements
The Project is seeking a candidate with a dedication to helping juvenile immigrants and refugees in their quest for justice. The ideal candidate will have either past experience or the desire to work with children, and approach client contact with respect to the needs of children who have experienced trauma. Fluency in Spanish is required. The must have excellent organizational, cross-cultural communication and inter-personal skills. Prior advocacy or academic experience in immigration, juvenile rights, or human rights law would be helpful. Interest or experience in counseling or social work is an asset. This position is an exceptional experience for candidates interested in pursuing a career in juvenile rights, human rights, or immigration law.

Starting salary is $27,000. Benefits include medical, dental, vision and generous vacation and leave policy.

Application Process
Please submit a cover letter, resume and three references to: Lindsay Marshall, Executive Director, Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, P.O. Box 654, Florence, AZ 85232 or by email at lmarshall@firrp.org. The position is immediately available and applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

The Florence Project recognizes the value of diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages applications from people of color, gay men and lesbians, persons with disabilities and members of under-represented or disadvantaged communities.