Paralegal Assistant

Paralegal Assistant (Part-Time)

DVFSA Legal

Family Law/Immigration Attorney

Valley Oasis is a community-based organization dedicated to eliminating social and domestic violence and homelessness through community awareness, intervention, prevention, safe shelter, and supportive services.

The Domestic Violence Services program is an intervention program funded through the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. We seek to help people who have experienced domestic violence regain their autonomy and self-esteem so they can re-enter the world as productive and healthy members of society.

As the Paralegal assistant you will work closely with agency clients and engage in a wide range of job functions related to screening prospective clients and maintaining the agency’s family law/immigration case files. The Legal Assistant will regularly answer and screen prospective clients during new client phone calls. If appropriate the Legal Assistant will schedule the prospective client with an appointment. When the prospective client comes for their first appointment the Legal Assistant will be responsible for completing an intake and verifying that the prospective client meets the agency’s eligibility guidelines. Strong computer skills preferred. Understanding of public benefits preferred.

Essential Job Functions:

· Assist attorneys in preparing and filing USCIS immigration petitions and applications accurately and efficiently

· Prepare immigration submission packets as assigned by the manager and/or attorney for the appropriate government agency.

· Understand the procedures and documentation required for cases to be filed successfully and timely.

· Work with clients to gather the necessary information and documentation.

· Ensure all deadlines are met, including, but not limited to, deadlines for Requests for Evidence, Notices of Intent to Deny, Motions to reopen, and/or Appeals.

· Possess adequate knowledge of family law and immigration relief and effectively communicate with clients about the status of their cases.

· Attend court hearings and immigration interviews as needed

· Translate documents as needed

· Translate for attorney/manager as needed for preparations, meetings, and/or teleconferences

· Prepares affidavits, briefs, pleadings, motions, discovery, subpoenas, legal correspondence and other case-related documents as required

· Conducts legal research including but not limit to U and T Visa Applications, VAWA Self-Petitions, and Battered Spouse waivers; investigates facts and laws of cases, and searches public records and other resources to prepare cases and determine causes of action

· Files documents with the Clerk of the local Courts

· Ensure timely and accurate case file maintenance, including electronic records

· Maintains accurate and comprehensive document/client files, including up to date case note documentation

· Interact with clients utilizing a trauma-informed care approach while maintaining professional boundaries at all times and actively promote positive, nurturing interactions between adults and children.

· Maintains positive working relationships with clients through frequent, proactive communication

· Participate in staff training, continuing education activities, agency, and program meetings as requested

· Represent Valley Oasis Legal Services Department at inter-departmental, city, county, state, regulatory, civic, or community organization meetings and outreach events

· Maintain a positive working relationship with client communities, community-based organizations, and partner organizations, the immigration court, and government agencies.

· In accordance with the ethical standards required of the legal profession and the Code of Professional Responsibility, preserving client confidentiality, accounting for client monies, and avoiding conflicts of interest.

· Ensure the safety and comfort of clients and staff by enforcing program and/or agency rules, policies and security protocols.

· Maintain effective communication with Supervisor on schedule changes and/or office activities

· Aide in obtaining services from agencies in the community who can assist in providing support that address housing and legal needs, immigration remedies, emergency food, clothing and other needs

· Participate in staff meetings, individual and group supervision, case conferences and training as required

· Ensure maintenance of a clean, safe and supportive environment for participants and staff

· Adhere to agency policies and procedures, including confidentiality and a code of ethics

· Work with Attorney to support Valley Oasis Legal Services Department programs and projects

· Additional tasks, administrative, outreach, projects, and or responsibilities as assigned by the Supervisor that are not outlined but which are an important part of the agency’s goals and/or program outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

· Knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence

· Knowledge of trauma informed supportive services for domestic violence victims

· Demonstrated commitment to working with survivors of trauma, including domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes against persons

· Must be able to exercise initiative, independent good judgment, flexibility, discretion, and solid decision making

· Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work with other teams, the public, volunteers, court personnel, government agencies, and partner organizations.

· Knowledge and understanding of policy, systems, and local programs that impact immigrants and related public funding sources, regulations, requirements, and procedures

· Must be able to successfully manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, adjust to changing; circumstances, and demonstrate confidence working with diverse stakeholders

· Able to work with a diverse population and provide culturally competent advocacy

· Able to work well in a crisis situation

· Able to handle common problems without supervisor intervention while knowing when supervisor participation is warranted

· Work effectively under conditions of limited supervision, high stress and rapidly changing situations and circumstances

· Understanding of and sensitivity to the unique circumstances of underserved populations and to survivors of domestic violence

· Considers impact of personal and professional choices. Consistently make decisions in keeping with organizational values and Supervisor’s direction

· Strict confidentiality must be observed as it relates to participant information, agency business, program decisions and all other personal information

· Excellent organizational skills and the ability to follow through from beginning to end on tasks

· Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral; must communicate professionally and positively with participants, co-workers, management, community partners, employers, landlords, and other service providers

· Proficient with office communication equipment and machines (telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, computer printer and scanner)

· Proficient in use of laptop/desktop computer, Microsoft Windows and Office software programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Google drive

· Strong time management skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment, while exercising sound judgment

· Ability to work a flexible schedule

· Use of a personal vehicle may be required to travel in and around Antelope Valley and/or Los Angeles County

· Maintain professional boundaries and work collaboratively with participants, volunteers and staff

· Accountability – be on time for scheduled shifts

· e able to read and write English

· Fluency in written and spoken Spanish; ability to interpret and translate from Spanish to English and English to Spanish Preferred

Qualifications & Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certification from an accredited school.

· Experience working in immigration law preferred

· Education and/or experience that demonstrates an understanding of the needs of low-income individuals, immigrants and/or other under-served, under-represented populations

Agency Requirements:

· Must have a valid California Driver’s License

· Reliable transportation

· Auto Insurance

· Clean driving record

Work Conditions & Physical Demands

The following are work conditions that one may encounter in the course of performing their job duties:

· May be in contact with individuals in crisis

· May experience unpleasant sensory demands associated with an individual’s use of alcohol and drugs, and lack of personal care

· May experience crisis situations and potentially hostile situations, must be ready to respond quickly and effectively.

An employee is required to:

Walk and climb stairs; Handle, grasp and feel objects and equipment; Reach with hands and arms; extend both arms above the head and/or reach below the waist; Communicate ideas and information verbally and written word; Be able to move oneself quickly and easily from place to place; Repeat various motions with hands, wrists, fingers; Climb on stools, steps and/or ladders; Be subject to outside environmental conditions, including but not limited to: Rain, heat, wind; lift at least 10 lbs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. If accommodation(s) are required, employee must inform Human Resources by the first week of employment. If an accommodation is not required at the time of employment, but is later required, you must inform Human Resources at the time it is needed.

Benefits

Health

Employee Assistance Plan

Paid Sick

Dental

AFLAC

Paid Vacation

Vision

Cafeteria 125 Plan

Personal Days

Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

14 Observed Holidays

Schedule:

Monday – Friday 20 hours a week (may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends, holidays and/or on call status)

Salary:

$21.50 – 23.50 per hour

An Equal Opportunity Employer: Selection will be based solely on merit and will be without discrimination because of age, race, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $21.50 - $23.50 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $24