Paralegal

Paralegal

Team: Policy and Programs

Reports to: Legal Director

Employment Status: Full Time/Exempt

Salary: $71,431,00

Location: Position will require regular travel to the Capital Region (Albany), as well as occasional travel to other regions within New York State.

Overview of the Organization

The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is an umbrella policy and advocacy organization for nearly 200 groups in New York State. We envision a New York state that is stronger because all people are welcome, treated fairly, and given the chance to pursue their dreams. Our mission is to unite immigrants, members, & allies so all New Yorkers can thrive. We represent the collective interests of New York’s diverse immigrant communities and organizations and devise solutions to advance them; advocate for laws, policies, and programs that lead to justice and opportunity for all immigrant groups; and build the power of immigrants and the organizations that serve them to ensure their sustainability, to improve people’s lives, and to strengthen our state. 

Our organizational values: Inclusive & Representative; Fair & Just; Accountable & Trusted.

Summary of the Position 

This is a contract-funded position for a rapid-response initiative that the NYIC is undertaking to support vulnerable migrants and asylum-seekers throughout New York State. This position is funded through August 2025 and may be renewed for one more year, through August 2026. The continuation of this position beyond the time frame stated is contingent upon available funding. 

We are seeking a Paralegal, who will apply to become a Department of Justice (DOJ) Accredited Representative, to assist play a critical role in expanding access to legal services including screenings and application support. In this role, your duties will include screening and preparing limited pro se and other applications, on-site and remote intakes, and maintaining accurate data of services completed. The Paralegal will report to the Legal Director with support from the Legal Services Coordinating Attorney.

Key Responsibilities, but not limited to: 

• Meet with program participants in-person and remotely to complete immigration applications and documents including but not limited to asylum applications, TPS, Changes of Address, and other applications as needed.
• Ensure that participants agree to limited scope of services and consent to information sharing for the purposes of assisting with consultations and application preparation.
• Case management including gathering, organizing, and preparing documents for appointments. 
• Complete and manage document translations as required for each program participant.
• As applicable, take necessary steps to apply for DOJ accreditation including completion of all required trainings, exam, and timely submission of application materials.
• Manage and triage communication with program participants.
• Organizing applications and legal documents for review and filing.
• Responding to inquiries in a timely manner and adhering to submission deadlines
• Comply with all policies and procedures designed to prevent the unauthorized practice of law including obtaining final approval by an authorized licensed attorney before submission of any legal documents.
• In coordination with the Legal Director, Legal Services Coordinating Attorney, and other program staff, ensure that program participants receive legal services that are ethically sound, trauma-informed, and adhere to best practices. 

Data Collection 

• Ensure that data is tracked and reported accurately following internal protocols.
• Communicate regularly with data management personnel to ensure efficient and accurate tracking of legal services provided and adherence to protocols.
• Adhere to, and if applicable, suggest policies and procedures to enhance the protection of personal identifying information and data privacy. 

Other Responsibilities

• In coordination with the Legal Director, Legal Services Coordinating Attorney, and other program staff, ensure that program participants receive legal services that are ethically sound, trauma-informed, and adheres to best practices.  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree, post-secondary program, or two years of immigration legal work experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney strongly recommended.
• Ability to collaborate with immigration attorneys and regional paralegal managers.
• Adaptability to changing work environments, processes, and emerging needs.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and competing priorities.
• Ability to strategize in a rapidly changing environment. 
• Attention to detail, particularly in preparing applications and documents to be filed with various immigration agencies. 
• Excellent recordkeeping and communications skills; ability to manage communications and inquiries, and gather required information and documents from program participants.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace and Asana is a plus.
• Experience liaising with elected officials, funders, or other high level contacts is an advantage. 
• Interest in and/or knowledge of the NYIC, its members, or issues affecting immigrants in New York is an advantage. 
• Ability to fluently speak additional language(s) spoken in New York State is an advantage.

Important facts to know about this opportunity:

1. This position is mostly on-site, with a requirement of being in the office 4 days per week and remote 1 day per week.
2. The NYIC has a staff-wide vaccine mandate. Staff must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination to HR before being onboarded.

Salary: $71,431**

In addition to a competitive salary, NYIC offers a full benefit plan, unlimited paid time off, commuter benefits and a comprehensive retirement plan. 

**The NYIC has a transparent and equitable salary structure. Starting salaries for each position are set in advance with no room for negotiation.

To Apply: Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to hr@nyic.org. All emails must have “Paralegal” in the subject line. 

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, immigration status or citizenship, sex, age, disability or marital status. 

Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and we are looking for someone to start as soon as possible. No phone calls or emails will be accepted for this position.