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.
Requirements
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 :
To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform all the core responsibilities well. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
•Detail oriented and able to meet deadlines.
•Organized, able to work in a fast-paced environment and multitask.
•Ability to communicate effectively and clearly to diverse audiences with a customer service orientation.
•Strong writing and editing skills.
•Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse multidisciplinary team.
•Professional demeanor, strong work ethics, able to maintain confidentiality and a positive work environment.
•Proven problem-solving skills with ability to analyze situations, identify existing or potential problems, and recommend solutions.
•Technological Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office with the interest and ability to learn other software programs.
•Bilingual Spanish skills highly preferred, but not required.
•Excellent oral and written communication skills.
•Availability to begin work as soon as possible preferred.
•Demonstrated commitment to social, racial, and economic justice.
•Experience working with low-income immigrants, even on a volunteer basis, preferred.
SALARY AND BENEFITS :
The anticipated salary for this position is $53,040 - $60,000 annually, commensurate with relevant experience and prorated to the length of employment.
We are proud of the benefits we can offer that include:
•Platinum-level medical insurance plan 100% employer-paid
•Dental and vision insurance 100% employer paid
•Long-term disability insurance 100% employer paid
•Life and AD&D insurance 100% employer paid
•Pre-tax 401(k) with Employer match on first 3% of salary
•Vacation Days: 21 days per year until year 3, 27 per year in years 3-7 and 33 days per year after 7 years employment
•New employees begin with 8 days of Health & Wellness (sick) leave and accrue an additional 5 hours per pay period plus emergency medical leave up to 12 weeks per year
•12 weeks paid parental leave/family leave
•24 days paid holidays and staff wellness days, including Winter Break the last week of the year
•Job-related professional development fees (including annual state bar dues and professional memberships)
•Flexible work schedules
Employees with federal student loan debt may be eligible to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education. For more information, go to https://myfedloan.org/borrowers/special-programs/pslf .
This position is non-exempt for overtime purposes.
TO APPLY :
Please apply with resume and cover letter. Writing samples may be requested.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Apply early for full consideration. No phone calls, please.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT:
Ayuda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
We believe that a diversity of experiences, opinions, and backgrounds is integral to achieving our mission and vision. We celebrate diversity and seek to leverage the passion, energy, and ideas of a culturally diverse team.