Bilingual Immigration Paralegal, Pro Se Project (6 month contract)

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, two DOJ-accredited legal navigators, and two paralegals working across two program sites in Queens. This position is a contract-based position from June 16, 2026 to December 15, 2026 (6 months), with the possibility of extension if funding is renewed. 

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 up-to-date information on immigration processes and policy changes.
• 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 and change of venue, FOIA requests, and court filings. Accepted case types are subject to change based on program capacity, as well as client 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.
• Work with the attorney to plan and coordinate pro se legal clinics, as needed, including scheduling clients and training volunteers to assist with screenings and applications.
• 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 and other resources. 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 Program Director or Immigration Attorney.

STATEMENT OF SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Education and Experience:

• Bilingual English/Spanish required; additional languages preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree
• 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 keen 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.