Detention Paralegal

Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice), an award-winning not-for-profit legal services organization founded in 1996 to protect and promote the basic human rights of immigrants, has a multicultural and a multilingual staff. AI Justice has represented clients from around the world and is recognized as a powerful advocate and national leader for immigrants' rights. AI Justice works closely with traditional civil rights groups as well as grassroots organizations and local, state and national government officials to affect positive change in immigration policies.

The Program

The Detention Program provides representation, case assistance, and intakes to individuals detained in ICE custody in Florida. Our Program advocates for the just and humane treatment of all and believes that no human is illegal or should be separated from their family and support systems. We recognize the U.S. immigration system disproportionately targets and criminalizes Black and brown immigrants who are routinely and systematically funneled from the criminal justice system to deportation. Our Program advocates for all immigrants in custody and does not discriminate on any basis.

Responsibilities

The Detention Program seeks an individual to assist with a variety of tasks including case management with clients, the Detention Hotline, facilitating pro bono representation, and advocacy efforts for immigrants in detention. The Detention paralegal will work with people detained in ICE custody around Florida, and advocate for the fair and humane treatment of all people in ICE custody.

Daily Activities

• Assisting attorneys in daily case management tasks for existing and prospective clients
• Drafting USCIS and EOIR immigration applications, questionnaires, and other supporting documents for cases
• Conducting intakes, individual client interviews, and follow-up meetings with clients
• Answering phone calls on the Detention Hotline and routing calls appropriately for assistance, intake, emergency response, and referrals to other agencies
• Assisting with gathering documentation, supporting documents, evidence, criminal history documents, and other evidence for USCIS and Immigration Court submissions
• Entering and maintaining client information into a case management and database system, working with Legal Server and the Microsoft platform
• Scanning, mailing, filing, electronic filing, and all related document management for clients, prospective clients, and former clients, as well as daily case management, performing clerical duties such as data entry, filing and database maintenance.

Other Activities and Responsibilities

• Participating in regularly scheduled meetings, calls, and in-person meetings with stakeholders, Detention Watch Network and other organizations, advocacy groups, and coalition
• Engage actively with trainings to deepen and broaden legal skills, client skills, and knowledge of immigration systems and immigration law
• Travel to detention centers to conduct intakes, interview clients, gather documentation, draft applications and statements, tour facilities, and observe/attend hearings

Essential Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• The ideal candidate for this position will be friendly, empathetic, and responsible.
• Enthusiastic about and committed to working alongside people from diverse cultural, educational, professional, and socioeconomic backgrounds. A demonstrated belief in diversity, inclusion, and equity for all individuals.
• Written and verbal fluency in English required. Spanish or Creole fluency strongly preferred
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment that values giving and receiving feedback
• Comfortable working independently
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365 required. Knowledge of client database systems preferred

Other Requirements

• Directly impacted people and those with personal experience in the U.S. immigration system are highly encouraged to apply
• Background check is mandatory for all applicants. The background check includes FBI, statewide repository, and sex offender registry review
• Valid Driver's license and reliable transportation needed
• Experience working with immigrants preferred
• Experience in public interest law, particularly immigration law, preferred.

Location: Hybrid position, but travel required to Miami Dade and Broward Counties.

Education and Experience: BA degree required.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary commensurate with experience. Salary ranges from $46,000-$71,000 depending on experience. AI Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health, vision, dental, and life insurance coverage; 15 paid days of vacation leave; 13 paid holidays; 10 paid health days; 1 personal day. After one year of employment, staff are entitled to paid parental leave and up to 3% matching employer contribution to 403(b) retirement plan. Vacation and health leave increases after two- and five-year anniversaries. Paid sabbatical available at five years.

How To Apply

AI Justice is an EOE/AA employer, and we strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and other historically underrepresented groups. We value strength in diversity and inclusion within our office and are actively working towards providing an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment free from discrimination for all.

Submit cover letter, resume, and 3 references to careers@aijustice.org. Please write DETENTION PROGRAM PARALEGAL in the subject line.

Interviews: Top candidates will be invited to interview

Application Deadline: Open until filled.