Immigration Justice Project - Front Desk Associate P/T TX-CA

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).


Part-time position (25 hours per week), Monday through Friday.
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
-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/check-out 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.

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 in Microsoft Office products and Google tools.
-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 other 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.


The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendmen