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 an 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 multi-task 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