Job Summary:
The Immigration Paralegal/DOJ Accredited Representative provides legal assistance to immigrants and their families in immigration law matters. The paralegal will meet regularly with clients to screen for relief, gather relevant facts and documentation, and complete forms for submission in immigration matters.
Essential Functions/Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct comprehensive client intakes providing advice, referrals, and evaluating cases for representation.
- Upon DOJ Accreditation, provide legal assistance, consultation and representation in immigration matters, maintain a case-load in family-based cases, and naturalization matters before USCIS.
- Conduct client interviews, research legal matters, complete declarations, supporting documentation and legal forms for submission, remain responsive to clients, prepare and/or represent clients at interviews before USCIS, organize and maintain compliant client files, enter client and case data in relevant databases.
- Coordinate and assist with the provision of outreach and educational workshops for the immigrant community and the public about immigration issues and immigration law, including presenting to and training community groups and other service providers.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with faith and labor allies, attorneys, government agencies, students, and other community allies and stakeholders.
- Participate in and represent the agency and program in agency, community or coalition meetings where program participation is required.
- Participate in continuing education as needed to provide culturally informed and competent representation in all matters, and to obtain and maintain DOJ Accreditation.
- Collaborate with the Director of Immigration Services to prepare funding applications and to provide timely, accurate reports for grant funding requirements.
- Other duties as assigned based on program’s needs, including general administrative tasks.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Associates degree, or 2+ years of experience in a professional office setting.
- Ability to work independently and juggle multiple responsibilities in an active and high-volume environment, excellent time management and administrative skills;
- Computer literate, with proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications, and database management.
- Fluency in English and Spanish (strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages);
- Excellent research and writing skills and ability to communicate with a diverse audience;
- Ability to work irregular hours including nights and occasional weekends for outreach or other events.
- Ability to publicly represent GLCAC and think critically in high stake meetings with community and partner institutions;
- Knowledge of immigration law and experience working in legal setting preferred;
- Eligible for DOJ accreditation within 90 days of hire;
- Must have a suitable CORI and SORI check completed within the first thirty (30) days of employment.
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Travel: May be required to trainings, meetings, and interviews on behalf of clients.
Physical Demands: This job regularly requires the employee to sit, walk and stand as well as use hands repetitively to handle or operate standard office equipment. The employee is occasionally required to kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment and uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, fax machines
