Temporary Immigration Paralegal, MD

PURPOSE STATEMENT

Support attorneys in managing a diverse caseload by organizing client documentation, preparing immigration filings, drafting correspondence, and maintaining consistent communication to keep cases moving efficiently.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA.

WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB?

Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe:

• In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States.
• In the overall success of our organization and all our programs.
• That families should be healthy and safe from harm.
• That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country.
• That diversity and equality make this country better.

WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL?

• Screen potential clients for eligibility for Ayuda’s services, under the supervision of attorneys, for both children’s legal services and immigration programs, including providing emergency assessments for survivors of trauma and, where appropriate, referrals;
• Assist attorneys with preparing and drafting documents, including correspondence, immigration forms, client declarations, and court filings;
• File and serve documents as required in court cases;
• Maintain client information and documents using internal database;
• Work with organizational partners to arrange dates and locations for educational outreach presentations
• concerning legal services provided by Ayuda;
• Coordinate outreach and referrals to and from organizational partners to ensure potential clients are aware of and able to access Ayuda’s services;
• Assist in recruiting volunteers & interns to assist Ayuda in providing legal services;
• Provide front-desk coverage as needed when Ayuda’s intake specialist is out of the office;
• Assist with grant reports as assigned;
• Other duties as assigned

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS JOB?

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment.
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment.
• Must pass (or have on file) an FBI background check and a Child Protective Services (CPS) check for each state you have lived in for the past 5 years.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish with strong written and oral communication skills in both languages required.
• Must be willing to work from Ayuda’s MD office in person 2-3 days/week

Qualifications:

The following qualifications are the qualities, experiences, and skills we seek in a candidate.

Candidates who don't feel that they meet every single qualification, but who still believe they’d be the right fit for this role, are encouraged to consider applying! We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways -- not just candidates who check all the boxes.

• Experience working with immigrants strongly preferred.
• Experience working with children strongly preferred.
• Proficient with Legal Server and Online Funder Platforms (UCORD, UCLS, etc).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
• Availability to begin work as soon as possible (contingent on funder approval) preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to social, racial and economic justice.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized; able to manage multiple matters simultaneously and shift priorities as needed
• Strong time management skills with ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to communicate effectively with diverse internal and external audiences and exercise good judgment
• Ability to work effectively and compassionately with survivors of trauma and diverse populations
• Professionalism, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with sound ethics and independent judgment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office

We are proud of the benefits we can offer that include:

• Platinum-level medical insurance plan 100% employer-paid
• Dental and vision insurance 100% employer paid
• Long-term disability insurance 100% employer paid
• Life and AD&D insurance 100% employer paid
• Pre-tax 401(k) with Employer match on first 3% of salary
• Vacation Days: 21 days per year until year 3, 27 per year in years 3-7 and 33 days per year after 7 years employment. Employees begin with 3 days of vacation leave.
• New employees begin with 5 days of Health & Wellness (sick) leave and accrue an additional 5 hours per pay period plus emergency medical leave up to 12 weeks per year
• 12 weeks paid parental leave
• 24 days paid holidays and staff wellness days, including Winter Break the last week of the year
• Job-related professional development fees (including annual state bar dues and professional memberships)
• Flexible work schedules

Employees with federal student loan debt may be eligible to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education. For more information, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.

This position is non-exempt for overtime purposes.

Bilingual in English and Spanish with strong written and oral communication skills in both languages required.