Paralegal

Position Summary

The Temporary Paralegal will support the Legal Assistance Fund by serving as the primary point of contact for member intake, assessment, referral coordination, and vendor invoice oversight activities. The position is responsible for conducting initial screenings to identify legal service needs; directing members to appropriate legal resources; assisting members in their completion of basic family and financial planning forms; coordinating referrals to Fund-approved immigration attorneys; monitoring referral activity and reviewing legal service invoices for accuracy and compliance with Fund guidelines.

This role does not provide legal advice and does not maintain legal case files. The position focuses on member navigation, referral management, and administrative coordination between members, legal service providers, and Fund staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Intake & Assessment

Conduct intake with members seeking immigration-related legal assistance.

Assess member needs and determine the appropriate service pathway based on established program guidelines.

Coordinate with Chief Clerks to Identify whether services can be addressed through the Citizenship Program or require referral to Fund-approved immigration attorneys.

Family and Financial State Forms Coordination

Assist members with the completion and notarization of the following New York State forms designating other adults to make certain financial, medical, or parental decisions in the event of administrative separation:

Designation of Person in Parental Relations

Standby guardianship

Power of Attorney

Assist members with the completion of HIPAA authorization forms

Referral Coordination

Facilitate referrals to approved immigration legal service providers.

Schedule and coordinate consultations between members and participating attorneys.

Track referral activity from intake through attorney engagement.

Reporting & Program Support

Monitor referral volumes, service categories, and provider utilization.

Prepare regular reports on intake activity, referrals, expenditures, and program outcomes.

Support program outreach, educational workshops, and member engagement efforts as needed.

Assist with the development and refinement of intake and referral procedures.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required. Paralegal Certificate, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum three (3) years of experience in legal services, immigration services, benefits administration, or client services environment.

Notary Public certification in New York.

Advanced or bilingual proficiency in Creole

Experience conducting client intake and referral coordination.

Strong organizational and administrative skills.

Available to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as needed

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and database systems.

Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

Preferred

Knowledge of immigration law and immigration legal service delivery systems.

Experience working with legal aid organizations, law firms, union benefit funds, or nonprofit service providers.

Experience reviewing invoices, contracts, or vendor billing.