Immigration Paralegal

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?

• Screen potential clients for eligibility for Ayuda’s services, under the supervision of attorneys, for both family law and immigration programs, including providing emergency assessments for survivors of trauma and, where appropriate, referrals.
• Assist attorneys with preparing and drafting documents, including correspondence, immigration forms,
• client declarations, and court filings.
• File and serve documents as required in court cases.
• Maintain client information and documents using internal database.
• Work with organizational partners to arrange dates and locations for educational outreach presentations
• concerning legal services provided by Ayuda.
• Coordinate outreach and referrals to and from organizational partners to ensure potential clients are aware of and able to access Ayuda’s services.
• Assist in recruiting volunteers & interns to assist Ayuda in providing legal services.
• Provide front-desk coverage as needed when Ayuda’s intake specialist is out of the office.
• Assist with grant reports as assigned.
• Other duties 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.

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.

• Must be detail oriented and able to comply with deadlines.
• Must be organized and able to handle multiple matters simultaneously, as well as able to change direction quickly when required.
• Must be able to communicate effectively and clearly to diverse audiences and able to exercise judgment in communications with media and client communities.
• Must be able to work effectively and compassionately with survivors of trauma.
• Experience working with an immigration legal services provider or law firm strongly preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish or another language relevant to Ayuda’s client community.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and knowledge of issues involved in working with diverse populations, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse multidisciplinary team.
• Professionalism with both internal and external customers.
• Professional demeanor, strong work ethic, discrete, resources, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate with a variety of people, both internal and external.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to meet assigned deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Proven problem-solving skills with ability to analyze situations, identify existing or potential problems, and recommend solutions.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong multi-tasking abilities.
• Strong ethics and sound judgment.
• Decisive, with ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to maintain and contribute to a positive team environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

• 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://myfedloan.org/borrowers/special-programs/pslf.