Intake Coordinator, Immigration Law Unit

ILU is seeking an intake coordinator to support referrals to the Unit and initial intake processes, including conducting initial client communications and providing administrative support for client-facing work. This position will ensure that referrals are handled promptly, respectfully, and efficiently, and that staff receive accurate, well‑organized information to support case assessment and service delivery. The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, compassionate, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment with diverse communities.

The Immigration Law Unit (ILU) is a recognized leader in providing high-quality representation to non-citizens in all five boroughs of New York City and surrounding counties. Our staff of almost 100 attorneys, social workers, and paralegals across seven different projects and initiatives provides low-income New Yorkers with free comprehensive immigration services, including both affirmative and defensive case matters. The Unit specializes in the intersection between immigration and criminal law and works collaboratively with all practice areas to serve the society’s diverse immigrant clients through a comprehensive service model. Unit staff represent immigrants before USCIS, immigration judges in removal proceedings, and the Board of Immigration Appeals, as well as in federal court on habeas corpus petitions, petitions for review, administrative and judicial appeals, and other matters.

• Ensure accountability and maintenance of practice standards
• Work with ILU and other Civil Practice administrative staff to ensure that ILU case matters are timely updated with data required for grants management

• Monitors shared inboxes, voicemail boxes, and intake queues
• Conduct initial communications with prospective clients and referring entities
• Gather essential demographic, procedural, and case‑related information with accuracy and sensitivity
• Apply established eligibility criteria to determine whether cases should be referred for further review
• Provide clear information about next steps, required documents, and timelines

• Enter and maintain intake information in the organization’s case‑management system
• Track incoming requests, deadlines, and follow‑up needs to ensure timely processing
• Flag urgent or high‑priority matters for supervisory review
• Maintain confidentiality and data‑security standards at all times

• Participate in continuous professional development
• Continuously learn about forms of bias in the workplace and demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of 4+ years of post-secondary education and/or work experience
• Excellent computer skills including Office 365 and all Microsoft Office programs
• Previous administrative experience

• Proficiency in Spanish preferred

• Knowledge of basic immigration application forms and forms of relief, highly preferred
• Excellent organizational skills
• Experience in and/or commitment to advocacy on behalf of low-income immigrants is strongly desired
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work in a team setting including strong communication and follow-up skills
• Ability to manage relationships and effectively communicate with others
• Demonstrated ability to accurately and quickly gather data, compile information, and keep accurate records
• Highly self-motivated and able to work independently
• Excellent judgement, including ability to handle sensitive or confidential information
• Ability to multitask

• Commitment to Legal Aid Society’s mission to secure equal justice before the law for all New Yorkers 
• Interpersonal and communication skills that enable healthy and productive working relationships
• Ability to perform duties with the highest regard for confidentiality, integrity, and respect
• Commitment to Legal Aid Society’s mission and values

• Mostly sedentary, significant time using a computer and monitor; communicating and meeting using video  
• May or will require travel within NYC, across the five-borough region