Job Description

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\xe2\x80\x99s 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).

The Release Support Associate provides legal orientations to custodians of unaccompanied children, identifies legal and non-legal services providers, develops materials, resources, and makes referrals for unaccompanied children. Shelters and supportive housing help establish personal support systems for youth building their lives in the United States. The Release Support Department works to empower immigrants through connection to services and is critical to ProBAR\xe2\x80\x99s holistic approach to serving our clients.

The Organization
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\xe2\x80\x99s office is located in Harlingen, TX. For more information about ProBAR, please visit our website:

Job Summary / General Purpose of Job
Accountable for providing legal orientations to custodians of unaccompanied children, identifying legal and non-legal services providers, developing materials and resources, and making legal referrals and referrals for wraparound services for released unaccompanied children and their sponsors. This position will require regular involvement with individuals living in difficult circumstances and who may have experienced trauma. Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)

• Provides legal information, via primarily telephonic orientations, and related resources and referrals to released unaccompanied children and their sponsors both locally and nationwide.

• Refers released children and their sponsors to pro bono or low-cost legal representation services in their area and provides referrals for relevant wraparound services critical to their ability to meaningfully participate in their legal proceedings.
• Conducts legal screenings in person or by phone, including of potential sponsors for unaccompanied children.
• Establishes new and fosters existing contacts with social services and pro bono legal services organizations.
• Assists with maintaining and updating written materials and resources for released unaccompanied children and sponsors on relevant legal processes and relevant resources in their communities.
• May require travel to detention facilities in remote areas of South Texas or to Immigration Court.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of an associate degree or 2 years of equivalent work-related experience in the support of a nonprofit organization that serves vulnerable populations.
• Fluency in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms.
• Intermediate proficiency with Adobe and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, OneDrive, teams).
• Proven experience with conducting virtual meetings, training, and observations on software such as Zoom, Teams, etc.
• Able to receive and respond to clients\xe2\x80\x99 calls or messages after normal office hours.
• Must have reliable internet service and phone connection.
• Must be able to identify visual and verbal cues when interacting with clients.
• This position requires the ability to travel to and enter care provider facilities funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for Children and Families, United States Department of Health and Human Services which provide housing and services to unaccompanied children. This position will require the provision of legal services to unaccompanied children in such care provider facilities. In accordance with the federal policies and contractor funding requirements, clearance of federal background checks will be required for this position.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of a bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree in a work-related field from an accredited college or university or 4 years of equivalent work experience.
• Prior work experience with indigenous language speaking populations.
• At least one year\xe2\x80\x99s experience with an organization that provides legal services.
• Prior volunteer, community, or work experience regarding immigration or detention.
• Prior non-profit experience, particularly on immigration detention.

Physical Requirements

• Typical office environment, stationary position for extended periods at a time.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, 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.

The Benefits and Incentives 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

• Sign on bonus offered*

• Relocation Stipend offered for in state and out of state relocation*

*Restrictions apply. Availability is subject to grant funding and may periodically change.

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\xe2\x80\x99s delicious food, world-class nature parks, and the beaches of South Padre Island provide ample opportunities to relax and recharge!

The Application Process
Submit an online application including your cover letter and resume.

The Salary
The starting hiring range for this position is $45,455.00 - $ 52,273.00 based on relevant experience and education.

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 applications@abaprobar.org.

American Bar Association