Paralegal

Job Description: Paralegal

Classification & FLSA Status: Full time | Non-Exempt

Pay Range: Starting at $23 per hour

Department: Legal Department | Affirmative Legal Assistance Services

Reports to: Managing Attorney, Managing DOJ, Supervising Attorney and Supervising DOJs

Location: Hybrid-Telecommute, in-person services at CARECEN Los Angeles Office and partner offsite locations

Job Summary

The paralegal will support attorneys, DOJ accredited representatives and other staff in providing affirmative legal services at CARECEN offices, and other offsite locations in the Greater Los Angeles area. Affirmative immigration cases primarily include but are not limited to naturalization and citizenship, family petitions, adjustment of status, advance parole, TPS, DACA, removal of conditions, U Visas, VAWAs, green card renewals as well as other forms of relief and duties assigned.

Job Responsibilities/Essential Functions

· Conduct intake screening for prospective clients seeking a legal consultation

· Assist in completing applications for submission to USCIS under attorney or DOJ Accredited review. Applications may include DACA renewal applications, Advance Parole, I-90 Renewal of Lawful Permanent Resident Cards, N-400 Naturalization, N-600 Derivation/Acquisition, FOIA requests, I-485 applications, VAWA, U-visa, among others

· Assist clients in preparing for their immigration exams and interviews.

· After receiving training, may be asked to interpret at USCIS interviews

· Assist with administrative duties, including scheduling appointments, answering phones, preparing, and sending correspondence, maintaining records and databases

· Provide clients with case updates

· Assist clients in gathering supporting documents and preparing legal declarations

· Translate documents (Spanish/English)

· Advocate for clients with government agencies

· Assist individuals with accessing external fingerprint services for submission to government agencies

· Provide support to attorneys, DOJ accredited representatives and other staff on the team

· Other duties as assigned by managers or supervisors

Required Skill/Qualifications

· Experience in immigration law (preferred)

· Verbal and written fluency in Spanish and English languages (required)

· Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

· Excellent communication, interviewing, and writing skills required

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a team

· Attention to detail and effective time management skills

· Ability to work well under pressure

· Competence in and dedication to working with others of diverse cultural, geographic, and economic backgrounds, including individuals with a history of severe trauma.

· Commitment to immigrants’ rights and the mission of CARECEN.

Classification & 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. Position may require evening and/or weekend work, based on responsibilities. Responsibilities may require occasional flexible schedules to off-set weekend work. This is a full-time position. A hybrid schedule may be offered. The position is part of the bargaining unit represented by the union.

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.

Travel requirement

Work is performed in a variety of work settings, including CARECEN’s offices, workspace provided by other nonprofits, libraries, and government facilities, among others. Position requires the ability to travel to different CARECEN offices and offsite

Location

Work may comprise up to 25% of travel time. Mileage reimbursement is available when applicable. Ability to drive with a valid CA license and a registered vehicle is preferred.

Benefits

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

Application Deadline

Applicants encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To Apply:

Please email a cover letter, resume, and three references to Diana Flores at (DFlores@carecen-la.org) and Miriam Nunez (MNunez@carecen-la.org). Candidates are urged to be specific regarding level of Spanish proficiency. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Applicants must apply directly. CARECEN will not consider applications through third party/legal /staffing agencies.

CARECEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, political affiliation, condition of physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation, in accordance with requirements of Federal and State laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Los Angeles, CA 90005