Immigration Paralegal II (1669)

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is looking for a talented Immigration Paralegal II who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose and Impact:

This position’s primary role is to assist the Managing Attorney, and Staff Attorneys in the preparation of immigration case files.

Essential Functions:

• Assist with hearing preparation by organizing immigration court cases, exhibits, relief applications, waivers applications, motions, and case support documentation.
• Conduct intake interviews with clients and assist attorneys with client consultations. Determine client’s eligibility for required immigration benefit and services.
• Prepare clients for USCIS interviews and court hearings. Conduct legal orientations for clients in removal proceedings, including explanation of immigration court proceedings and potential relief available from deportation.

• Assist clients in completing their immigration applications, including, but not limited to employment authorization (I-765); permanent residence (I-485); asylum (I-589); parole renewal (I-94); citizenship (N-400); and court motion, including motions to terminate, change venue, continue, and notice of filings.
• Identify potential problems and issues in each case that may prevent client from receiving the benefit sought. Identify potential solutions for associated issues and problems.
• Manage client appointments to ensure comprehensive and professional representation of client interests. Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills to ensure proper communication with clients, court personnel, and other parties. Demonstrate strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Complete legal research, and continuously study everchanging immigration laws. Increase job knowledge by participating in in continuing educational opportunities. Participate in trainings and courses needed to obtain partial or full DOJ accreditation. Obtain/maintain up to date full accreditation with the Department of Justice

• Communicate and work well with clients, community members, family members, stakeholders, and partners as required
• Continually identify areas of redundancy to ensure process, procedure, and staffing optimization
• Oversee complex immigration projects.
• Work with leadership within the immigration programs to review and understand impact of immigration changes and develop modification plans accordingly
• Mentor and train other paralegals on the larger team, particularly in program and project management.
• Maintain case files and documents in paper files as well as in LSF’s electronic case management systems, including daily scanning, downloads, and uploads

• Make determinations as to whether clients are eligible for LSF services.
• Attend essential monthly/quarterly stakeholder meetings for important immigration law updates
• Prepare weekly activity reports illustrating tasks that were completed the week prior for review.
• Ensures that all client conversations and documentation is kept confidential according to the Model Rules of Professional Responsibility.
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Functions:

Note: The duties above are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described above.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to sit and work in front of a computer/video display screen for extended periods of time. Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.

Education and Related Work Experience:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant field (e.g., Pre-Law Studies, International Relations, Political Science) Be currently or previously fully partially accredited by the Department of Justice. At least 5 years of relevant work experience.

Also required: Successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check and drug screening prior to hiring.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Posses skills critical for effective litigation and advocacy in immigration court
• Strong document-gathering and management, filesystems, correspondence/referrals, follow-up, and organizational skills
• Ability to work well with people from all cultures while showing sensitivity to issues our client populations face.
• Ability to utilize discretion and exercise independent judgment
• Have excellent facility with computer systems and the ability to learn how to use immigration software
• Bilingual-English and Spanish required

Other:

• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.
• Valid Florida drivers’ license and be insurable under LSF insurance carrier and have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.

Principle Accountabilities:

• Report to the Program Director
• Team-player with co-worker and staff
• Trustworthy and dependable/Handles money from clients
• Adheres to LSF’s policies and procedures

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
• • Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.