Bilingual Immigration Paralegal, Pro Se Program

THE ORGANIZATION

Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement (Riis Settlement), a community-based non-profit organization offering comprehensive services to the youth, adults, older adults, immigrants and families of Western Queens, is dedicated to civic engagement and organizing as integral to our mission “to build and strengthen underserved communities and act as a catalyst for change.” For more information about Jacob A Riis Neighborhood Settlement, please view our website at www.riissettlement.org

JOB SUMMARY

Riis Settlement is seeking a full-time bilingual (English/Spanish) Immigration Paralegal with a commitment to immigrant rights to join our nonprofit legal services program based in Queens. Under the supervision of the Immigration Attorney, the Paralegal will provide high quality legal assistance to immigrant New Yorkers through free legal screenings and immigration application assistance, with a focus on pro se services for newly arrived immigrants seeking asylum and other relief. The Paralegal joins the organization’s legal team including two attorneys, one DOJ-accredited legal navigator, and three paralegals.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Schedule intake appointments with prospective clients and manage waiting list of individuals who are seeking legal assistance.

• Under attorney supervision, conduct comprehensive legal screenings to assess eligibility for immigration benefits or relief, and provide information on immigration processes.

• Under attorney supervision, prepare pro se immigration applications for, but not limited to: asylum applications, asylum declarations, employment authorization, request to restart asylum clock, change of address (USCIS, ICE, EOIR), change of venue, FOIA requests, and court filings. Case types are subject to change based on program capacity and community needs. 

• Assist clients with completing and gathering supporting documents for applications and immigration court submissions, including photocopying, scanning, and mailing relevant documents and applications.

• Notify clients by phone, email, video conference, or mail about matters related to their case and conduct follow-up, as necessary.

• Provide translation assistance with English/Spanish as needed by translating legal documents, drafting correspondence, and interpreting for client meetings.

• Maintain up-to-date client data in the immigration case management system (LawLogix) and internal databases.

• Monitor and evaluate client outcomes in accordance with program deliverables. Submit data and narrative reports to funders following required deadlines. 

• Liaise with legal, case management, and other Immigrant Services team members for internal referrals. Provide targeted referrals to other organizations that can provide direct representation for cases we cannot accept, when available. 

• Maintain awareness and understanding of immigration law and policy changes through attending regular legal trainings. 

• Conduct outreach for legal services including by phone, email, and in-person events.

• Participate in team, organizational, and funder meetings. 

• Other related duties as assigned by the Immigration Attorney or Director of Immigrant Services.

STATEMENT OF SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Education and Experience:

• Bilingual English/Spanish required; additional languages preferred.

• Bachelor’s Degree

• 2 years of previous experience in immigration legal services and knowledge of immigration law and procedures strongly preferred.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Ability to maintain complete and accurate data, with attention to detail.

• Personal integrity in handling ethically complex and confidential situations.

• Demonstrated ability to be a strong team member in a collaborative nonprofit environment.

• Committed to providing service in a manner that is sensitive to people of diverse cultures and backgrounds.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.

Benefits:

• Generous Paid Time Off package of 13 holidays, 12 sick days, 10 days of vacation, and 6 personal days.
• Retirement plan with 50% employer match up to 6% of total salary
• Student Loan Assistance and Education Assistance
• Health, Dental, Vision, LTD, AD&D and Life Insurance
• EAP Services

Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.