Immigration Paralegal

Job Title: Immigration Paralegal

Supervisor: Immigration Manager

Full Time Equivalent: 1.0 (salaried)

Work Hours: Full-time Monday-Friday. Flexibility required occasionally for evening commitments, agency events, etc.

Do you prefer highly organized and detail-oriented projects? Does it recharge your batteries to connect with people and use your skills to support their journey in the area of immigration? Do you enjoy following structured procedures? Centro’s immigration program sees hundreds of clients each year, providing an overview for them of the anticipated process of their individual cases, preparing documents necessary to complete timely filings, and maintaining their files for any future needs. The cases can be sensitive and urgent. Each case represents a client’s life, past, present and future. The objective of the immigration paralegal is to support those clients and Centro from the perspective of the needs listed below. The immigration paralegal works with the program manager, attorney, and legal fellow and receives training, guidance, assignments, and feedback from them as well. This position may also interact with partner agencies and attorneys, but does not report to their staff.

Centro is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented paralegal to support our immigration team in providing essential legal services to our clients. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to social justice, experience in legal assistance, and proficiency in both English and Spanish.

Centro Mission and Values

Our mission is Empowering Youth, Strengthening Families, Engaging the Community in such a way that Dane County will be a community where Latinx families can aspire upward, to reach their personal goals and dreams because they feel engaged and strengthened with the tools for success.

· We foster connection. We are a welcoming community, and we take great care to ensure support and belonging for all.

· We act with mutual respect and dignity. We embrace our diverse cultural assets, which collectively make us stronger.

· We nourish community. We work together to create and advance opportunities for all.

· We live with courage. We will question our own assumptions protect and defend our rights and the rights of others, lead in collaborative ways, and seek help and guidance when we need it.

· We demonstrate integrity. We make time to clarify our collective principles, do the work it takes to live ethically, and establish systems to hold ourselves and each other accountable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Client Support, Case Management, and Administrative Support

• Conduct initial client interviews to gather relevant information.
• Manage and update the immigration department’s calendar.
• Assist clients with completing legal forms and documents.
• Maintain regular communication with clients regarding case status and updates.
• Screen, schedule and confirm immigration appointments for DOJ Accredited Representative, Immigration Clinics, and attorneys.
• Co-create and maintain compliance with immigration program office procedures and routines, including storage of client intakes and files and sensitive correspondence.
• Request and review documents and correspondence from clients as needed to support the preparation of legal documents as requested.
• Compile, proofread and revise drafts of legal documents and reports.
• Organize and maintain client files and legal documents.
• Monitor and manage deadlines for case filings and other legal processes.
• Open and distribute regular and electronic incoming mail and other material and coordinate the flow of information within immigration program.
• Obtain relevant information from other organizations or agencies as well as from other programs within Centro for client referrals.
• Record, prepare, and distribute minutes of meetings.
• Ensure accurate and timely filing of electronic documents in client files.
• Maintain and update databases and tracking systems.
• Respond to all case-related queries.
• Coordinate with other departments within Centro to ensure comprehensive client support.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous work experience as a paralegal or legal assistant, preferably.
• Fluency in English and Spanish (both written and spoken) is required.
• Reliable transportation with a valid driver’s license and current vehicle insurance.
• High school degree or equivalent.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Proficient in legal research and writing.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research databases.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Strong commitment to social justice and serving the Latino community.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic issues.

· Knowledge of standard office practices and administrative procedures.

· Proficient and accurate data entry with strong attention to details.

· Ability to be aware of multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

· Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain boundaries of position and confidentiality.

· Strong time management skills.

· Ability to articulate ideas and information verbally and in writing in a clear manner.

· Ability to work both independently and effectively as part of a team.

· Strong organizational skills.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $22