Asylum Seeker Paralegal

Mercy Center is a comprehensive community center that has been serving women, men and their families in

the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx, NY for over 34 years. We are seeking a Asylum Seeker

Paralegal to join Mercy Center’s Immigration & Asylum Seeker Programs department, which provides

immigration application assistance for newly-arrived migrants, especially those applying for asylum. The

Paralegal will have previous experience as a qualified DOJ accredited representative or willing and able to

obtain accreditation. Reporting to the Co-Director of Adult Immigration & Asylum Seeker Programs, this is

a full-time, 40 hour/week position that will require flexibility in scheduling to include some evening and

weekend work.

Responsibilities:

• Screen and assess participants for eligibility for various immigration benefits, including but not

limited to asylum, work authorization, change of address, change of venue, fee waivers, and TPS.

• Help participants to complete applications, including gathering documents and responding to USCIS

requests for evidence.

• Perform factual and legal research while regularly monitoring developments in immigration law;

make referrals to other providers, where appropriate.

• Manage caseload through database, maintain organized case files, input relevant case data and record

case progress information; respond to participant phone calls and emails.

• Collaborate with other Mercy Center departments to provide comprehensive services for migrants

• Assist with providing workshops on topics relevant to recently arrived migrants

• Collaborate and maintain relationships with other immigration service providers

• Compile and analyze program data and reports

• Conduct community presentations on a variety of immigration law related topics and others of

interest to the community.

• Assist with collection of program data, drafting of program/funder reports, and participation in

funder site visits.

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required

• At least 2 years’ experience in a similar role preferred

• Previous DOJ/OLAP accredited representative status at a non-profit organization or willingness to

apply for accreditation required.

• Fluency in Spanish/English.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including with ability to effectively communicate with individuals from

diverse backgrounds and people in crisis.

• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment.

• Excellent organizational, time management and computer skills with ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced multicultural environment.

• Experience using MS Office programs and data entry.

• Understanding of challenges facing low-income, immigrant communities and communities of color

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Generally works in standard office conditions (at a desk and computer) onsite

• Usually works at one work site, but at times works at off-site locations and travels between locations

when required.

Compensation:

Salary range is $55,000 - $58,000 depending on experience. We offer a comprehensive benefit package

including health insurance and a tax-deferred annuity, with generous paid vacation, sick and personal days.

To Apply: Please submit resume and cover letter to: Bridget Splain: bsplain@mercycenterbronx.org and

Noemie Gerreth: ngerreth@mercycenterbronx.org