Temporary Immigration Paralegal, Children’s Legal Services (DC)

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?

• Conduct trauma-informed and child-centered screenings and consultations with potential clients under attorney supervision to establish client eligibility for services with the Children’s Legal Services Program;
• Assist attorneys in preparing and filing court filings, USCIS applications and FOIA/ORR Records requests for children released from ORR custody;
• Provide administrative support to attorneys representing unaccompanied children in ORR custody and/or released to the DC service area;
• Maintain and create client records using Legal Server and ensure integration of paper documents into electronic and hard copy case files;
• Communicate with clients by phone to confirm appointments with USCIS, courts, and Ayuda attorneys;
• Fill out forms with clients & assemble evidentiary packets to support applications for immigration benefits;
• Assist with making referrals to legal service providers around the country for children released from ORR custody;
• Draft, edit, update, and distribute age-appropriate outreach materials to reach potential clients from a diversity of backgrounds;
• Assist with the preparation of grant applications, grant administration, and funder reports using online platforms; and
• Provide other administrative/paralegal support 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 DC 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.
• Experience working with survivors of trauma a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Proficient with Legal Server and Online Funder Platforms (UCORD, UCLS, etc).
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• 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.

Please note that this position is contingent upon federal funding. If the relevant federal funding is discontinued, the position may be subject to termination.

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.