We’re Hiring: Detention Program Administrative Assistant
RMIAN has an immediate opening for a full-time Administrative Assistant to work within the Detention Program, particularly to support the work of the detained pro se services team delivering services to unrepresented immigrants detained at the Denver Contract Detention Facility in Aurora, Colorado and at the Bighorn Detention Facility in Hudson, Colorado, if ICE proceeds with opening that facility.
RMIAN has been providing education and informational services to empower individuals detained at the Aurora immigration detention facility to represent themselves since 2003. Prior to the current administration’s termination of the federally-funded Legal Orientation Program (LOP), RMIAN was the provider of that program at the Aurora facility. RMIAN staff provide information about rights in removal proceedings, court procedures, release options, and relief from removal. The team conducts individual intakes to screen cases for referral to volunteer pro bono counsel and direct representation by RMIAN staff attorneys. The pro se services team additionally continues to advocate for permission to provide group know your rights presentations at the facility. When capacity allows, this team is responsible for providing pro se support to people facing deportation proceedings without the assistance of counsel.
The ideal candidate:
Has experience working with immigrants – this person is called to this field and is passionate about RMIAN’s work and mission.
Has experience working as an administrative assistant, file clerk, or other similar position, ideally in a legal setting.
Is skilled at time-management, exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, careful and methodical about ensuring confidentiality, accuracy, timeliness, and high-quality work.
Is responsive and acts on time-sensitive inquiries.
Is able to work autonomously and independently – this person doesn’t require micromanaging and can be trusted to complete tasks in a timely manner. If questions arise about a task or project, this person will communicate with their supervisor or other appropriate team members to obtain guidance.
Is collegial and collaborative with others on a team and ready to pitch in to support colleagues when needed.
Is skilled at communicating with immigrant populations, including those who have experienced or are experiencing trauma. The ideal candidate acts with empathy, patience and poise, is confident speaking to individuals from diverse backgrounds and is willing to take the time to ensure understanding. Centers the needs of the detained individual when use of an interpreter is required. Demonstrated cultural humility is essential for serving RMIAN’s diverse client population.
Communicates professionally with program participants, stakeholders, and community members whether in writing, in person, or by phone.
Is competent in Microsoft Office; has administrative office experience (e.g., filing, mailing, printing, scanning, etc.) and/or experience with database systems (e.g., Excel or other spreadsheet programs, and/or case management databases).
Is excited to innovate and streamline administrative processes and contribute to efficient workflow in a fast-paced environment.
Is excited to provide administrative support to ensure high-quality representation and communication with program participants.
Is proficient in verbal and written English and Spanish.
Responsibilities:
Pro se services
Support RMIAN’s ability to respond effectively to messages we receive from people in ICE detention by listening to voice messages (mostly in the Spanish language), transcribing call summaries in English, and updating information in our informational database systems;
Respond to RMIAN’s detention hotline and online service request form, process mail to and from LOP participants, and support RMIAN’s systems for responding to requests for RMIAN’s services
Mail written materials to individuals detained by ICE and be involved in innovating and maintaining our pro se materials
Assist RMIAN staff members with evidence gathering on behalf of LOP participants. Conduct preliminary calls with individuals detained by ICE to assess language needs and legal needs, and to propel referral to volunteer attorneys and other service providers.
Communicate with loved ones of people detained by ICE, as needed to gather critical information.
Support the Pro Se Services Coordinator in other administrative tasks.
Other administrative tasks
Provide clerical and administrative support to RMIAN’s Detention Program.
Administer outgoing mailings and process incoming mail.
Assist with file opening and closing procedures, as needed.
Provide reciprocal coverage for Pro Se Services Coordinator, Pro Bono Coordinator, and Detention Program Paralegal as needed.
Outreach, Community Education, Development, and Organizational Efforts
Participate in RMIAN’s outreach, community education, and development efforts.
Foster relationships with program participants who are willing to engage in campaigns to promote public awareness of RMIAN’s work and its impact on people who seek lasting protection from deportation in the United States.
Participate in community building, committee work and other activities within RMIAN.
Required skills and experience:
Oral and written Spanish proficiency.
Experience with and strong command of MS Word and Adobe Acrobat.
Deep dedication to immigration legal services, working with individuals in detention, commitment to working with members of marginalized groups, and people with prior history of involvement in the criminal and immigration legal systems.
Preferred skills and experience:
Experience working in immigration law, especially removal defense
Experience using an online case management database
Experience using electronic court filing systems
Location:
RMIAN operates on a hybrid remote/in-person model. This position requires at least three days a week of all-day on-site work (primarily in RMIAN’s office). Additional and/or alternative days in the office or detention facility may be required as needed due to the press of business.
Compensation: This is a full-time, salaried, non-exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience; the range is between $50,000-$55,000. Salary includes a generous benefits package, which includes:
Generous paid time off with 15 days of vacation in the first year of employment and an additional 2 days for each additional year of employment, 10 sick days, 11 federal holidays, plus, an end of year weeklong office closure;
Excellent health insurance (100% covered by RMIAN);
Dental & vision insurance (90% covered by RMIAN);
Life insurance & professional liability insurance (100% covered by RMIAN);
Eligibility to participate in RMIAN’s Simple IRA retirement plan (RMIAN matches 4%);
Eligibility to participate in RMIAN’s flexible spending plan;
Professional development funds and opportunities; and
Eight-week sabbatical after five years of employment.
If this profile calls out to you, please send your resume and a short statement that explains why this particular role is a great fit for you to hr@rmian.org by Friday, October 23, 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
RMIAN is an equal opportunity employer and recognizes the importance of diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, members of the LGBTQ community, and other underrepresented and marginalized groups. RMIAN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status or veteran status. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment free from discrimination.