Paralegal - Immigration
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Salary: $53,040 - $66,000
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE
Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA. This position is hybrid and requires some in-person days in the Silver Spring, Maryland office.
WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB?
Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe:
- In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States.
- In the overall success of our organization and all our programs.
- That families should be healthy and safe from harm.
- That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country.
- That diversity and equality make this country better.
WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL?
- Screen potential clients for eligibility for Ayuda’s services, under the supervision of attorneys, of low-income immigrants for humanitarian and family-based immigration benefits, especially those who have been victims of crime, abuse and unaccompanied minors.
- Assist attorneys in representing clients seeking immigration relief, including:
- Meet with clients to prepare declarations, forms, and other evidence under attorney supervision.
- Draft legal briefs and forms, as well as develop and obtain evidence, for immigration filings.
- Develop expertise with Ayuda's case management system, LegalServer, and assist with grant reports as well as training new staff members on using the system consistent with Ayuda's policies and procedures.
- When requested, accompany clients for critical appointments and appearances that do not require an attorney.
- Provide administrative support for both legal casework and program needs, including but not limited to, grant administration.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS JOB?
Eligibility: Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment. Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment. Satisfactory results from a background check to include criminal history and a search of the employee’s name against a national registry of sex offenders.
Education/Experience/Skills:
- Experience working with low-income immigrants, even on a volunteer basis, required.
- One year of experience working as a legal assistant or paralegal at an immigration legal services provider serving low-income immigrants preferred.
- Desire to work with interdisciplinary team in representing the best interest of the client.
- Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish is required.
- Demonstrated sensitivity to and knowledge of issues involved in working with diverse populations, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse multidisciplinary team.
- Professionalism with both internal and external customers.
- Professional demeanor, strong work ethic, discrete, resources, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
