Paralegal - Bilingual Spanish

Job Title: Paralegal

Classification & FLSA Status: Full time | Non-Exempt

Pay Range: Starting at $23 an hour (depending on qualifications and experience)

Department: Legal Department | San Fernando Valley Office

Reports to: Managing Attorney

Location: Position is currently hybrid (remote and in person at the CARECEN San Fernando Valley office)

Job Summary

Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) seeks a bilingual paralegal to support attorneys and OLAP accredited representatives, in providing legal services. The Paralegal position is a full-time position based in CARECEN’s San Fernando Valley Office. The Paralegal will also be required to work at Off-Site locations in the greater Los Angeles area and provide legal services.

Job Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Assist attorneys, OLAP accredited representatives, and clients in completing applications for submission to USCIS, EOIR and other government agencies.
• Assist clients in gathering supporting documents, preparing their declarations, and preparing for hearings/interviews.
• Assist attorneys and OLAP accredited representatives in conducting intake at offsite locations as needed.
• Perform general clerical duties for the legal department on an as needed basis.
• Provide reception services as needed.
• Assist clients in accessing resources and services.
• Translate documents from Spanish-to-English (and vice versa).
• Interpret at interviews before USCIS from Spanish-to-English (and vice versa).
• Assist in data collection, reporting, and other administrative matters.
• Assist other departments as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by Managing Attorney.

Required Skill/Qualifications

• Experience in immigration law (preferred).
• Verbal and written fluency in Spanish and English languages is required.
• Attention to detail and effective time management skills are required.
• Excellent communication, interviewing, and writing skills are required.
• Self-confidence, ability to interact with government agencies and advocate on behalf of client’s interests is required.
• Sensitivity and desire to work with immigrant families is required.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of clients and volunteers is required.
• Demonstrated commitment to mission and goals of CARECEN.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to work under minimal supervision.

Work Schedule

Office hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. The work schedule for this position is a 35-hour workweek equaling 7-hour workdays. Work is performed in a variety of work settings, including CARECEN’s offices, workspace provided by others, libraries, and other government facilities, among others.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This position operates in a professional office environment. The position requires the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. The position is currently hybrid—remote and in person at the CARECEN San Fernando Valley office. Work is performed in a variety of work settings, including CARECEN’s offices, workspace provided by other nonprofits, libraries, and government facilities, among others. The position is part of the bargaining unit represented by the union.

Travel requirement

Ability to travel to CARECEN offices and other offsite locations. Work may comprise up to 25% of travel time. Mileage reimbursement is available. The ability to drive with a valid CA license and a registered vehicle is required.

Benefits

CARECEN offers a generous benefits package that has medical, dental, vision, life insurance and Flexible Spending. Supplemental insurance and a 403(b) retirement savings plan are also available. Paid time off is also provided along with 14 paid holidays.

CARECEN offers a generous benefits package that has medical, dental, vision, life insurance and Flexible Spending. Supplemental insurance and a 403(b) retirement savings plan are also available. Paid time off is also provided along with 14 paid holidays.

Proficient reading and writing Spanish skills