Immigration Paralegal
Location: Washington, DC
Salary: $53,040 - $60,000
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.
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.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
To support immigration attorneys that provide essential immigration legal services, orientation services and pro bono mentoring to children and parents that were separated at the Southwest Border, and other paralegal duties as needed.
WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL?
Core responsibilities of the position include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- This position is based in our Washington, DC office and will require travel to local state, federal, and immigration courts.
- Provide legal advice through individual consultations and counseling to children and parents in immigration removal proceedings.
- Conduct legal screenings for individuals and coordinate with staff attorney for follow-up services, including additional interviewing, Friend of the Court services, Pro Se Workshop participation or Pro Bono placement.
- Communicate with clients by phone to confirm appointments with USCIS, courts, and Ayuda attorneys.
- Help prepare individuals for hearings before EOIR and DHS.
- Coordinate Friend of the Court Services for individuals.
- Coordinate Pro se workshops to help individuals prepare and submit applications and documents before EOIR and DHS.
- Help place cases for long term representation with pro bono attorneys.
- Conduct intakes with clients referred to the pro bono program and assist with follow up for additional screening as necessary.
- Work with the Pro Bono Managing Attorney to coordinate and implement virtual or in-person brief advice and referral immigration legal clinics including logistical planning, pro bono volunteer recruitment and training.
- Ensure efficient placement of pro bono cases and adequate follow up through regular communication with clients and pro bono partners.
- Obtain documents from courts and law enforcement agencies as necessary.
- Maintain and create client records using Legal Server, Ayuda’s case management software, and ensure integration of paper documents into electronic and hard copy case files.
- Assist in regular reporting of pro bono and immigration team activities using Legal Server and Excel.
- Collaborate with Ayuda’s Social Services staff to ensure provision of holistic services.
- Support large government grant management, including but not limited to data collection, entry and regular reporting.
- Participate in internal and external conferences, meetings, and trainings as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
