Senior Paralegal - VA Immigration & Pro Bono Program

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?

Core responsibilities of the position include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Assist attorneys in representing clients seeking immigration relief, including:

• Be an expert at navigating LegalServer, Sharepoint, and other key resources used by the legal program and be capable of training new staff members in the same;
• Understand issues of unauthorized practice of law and know when to seek attorney supervision;
• Meet with clients to prepare declarations, forms, and evidence under attorney supervision but with a strong ability to work independently and requiring minimal edits from attorneys upon completion of drafts;
• Have a strong understanding of common forms of relief sought by Ayuda attorneys, including but not limited to civil protection orders, family-based petitions, U Visas, work permit renewals, advance parole applications, and similar forms of relief as applicable (and depending upon program);
• When requested, accompany clients for critical appointments or appearances that do not require an attorney;
• Mentor or supervise one or more less experienced paralegals and/or intake specialists as appropriate;
• Assist with intern recruitment and training;
• Assist with grant reporting and management of intake processes, walk-in clinics, and/or specialized subprograms within the legal team;
• Conduct Know Your Rights Sessions, client screenings, assist with walk-in clinics, and other outreach as applicable/appropriate to the paralegal’s team;
• If applicable, assist with Ayuda’s pro bono program through working at clinics, assisting with file preparation, maintaining LegalServer files, drafting flyers, circulating information about clinics, and other related tasks;
• Otherwise assist attorneys as requested;
• Cover the front desk when intake specialists are out of the office and on a regular rotation, if there is one.

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.
• This position will be based primarily in our Virginia office but will require occasional visits to the D.C. office. This position is hybrid and will include both in-person and remote workdays.

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.

Education/Experience:

• Have at least 3+ years of relevant experience working as a legal assistant or paralegal at an immigration legal services provider serving low-income immigrants in the areas of law that are relevant to Ayuda’s practice area.
• Experience assisting attorneys with a significant caseload including a mixture of affirmative cases and a removal defense docket.
• Experience working with children, survivors of gender-based trauma, and/or survivors of trafficking.

Language Skills:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required; bilingualism in written and spoke Spanish is highly preferred; bilingualism in other languages will be considered.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated sensitivity to and knowledge of issues involved in working with diverse populations, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking
• Knowledge and ability in providing short term/brief services- like those found in a clinic setting.
• Ability to work with attorneys, both in-house and pro bono attorneys.

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/family 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

This position is Non-exempt for overtime purposes.

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.