Immigration Paralegal

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE DIOCESE OF OAKLAND•Concord, CA

3d•$63,000 - $68,900•Onsite

About The Position

Catholic Charities East Bay (CCEB) is committed to the well-being and self-sufficiency of immigrant families. Its Immigration Legal Services Department provides low-income families with free and low-cost immigration legal and citizenship services. The Immigration Paralegal is part of a team of immigration attorneys, DOJ-accredited representatives, paralegals, legal assistants, law student interns, and support staff. Under attorney supervision, the position assists with legal services, education, outreach, and community events. The role reports to the Program Manager, Immigration, and may supervise office volunteers and students. The primary office is in Concord, California, with required travel to Richmond and Oakland offices as needed. The employee must work from the Concord office at least four days per week and have a valid driver's license and working vehicle. The position is full-time, with a seven-hour workday and a 35-hour workweek. The salary is $63,000–$68,900 annually ($34.61–$37.85 hourly). Within 90 days, the paralegal is expected to maintain an accurate case calendaring system, prepare client forms, and research supporting documentation such as country conditions. Within six months, the employee is expected to enroll in COIL training and be able to complete client declarations and conduct thorough, accurate client intakes for review by a supervising attorney or DOJ-accredited representative. Within one year, the paralegal is expected to prepare complete filing packets and conduct community education presentations.

Requirements

Paralegal certificate from an accredited certificate program and two years of experience working under the supervision of a licensed attorney; or a bachelor's degree and at least one year of immigration legal services experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Current and active DOJ Accreditation may be accepted instead of a paralegal certificate or bachelor's degree.
Bilingual Spanish required.
Proficiency in data entry and reporting software.
Strong administrative, organizational, interpersonal, verbal communication, writing, and presentation skills.
Professional technology skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, and database software.
Ability to scan, edit, and create PDF files, and experience with shared folders.
Must be able to work in the Concord office at least four days per week.
Must have a valid driver's license and working vehicle.

Responsibilities

Conduct client intakes, gather biographical information, and collect supporting documentation for immigration relief applications, including family-based petitions, humanitarian relief, naturalization, SIJS, and affirmative applications before USCIS.
Screen potential clients and prepare immigration forms, affidavits, declarations, and supporting evidence packets under the supervision of DOJ-accredited representatives or attorneys, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with USCIS and EOIR requirements.
Maintain organized, current electronic and paper client files; track case deadlines and application status; and follow up promptly with clients and government agencies.
Meet with clients, witnesses, and family members in CCEB offices or by telephone to take declarations, complete forms, and coordinate collection of documents and supporting materials.
Communicate with clients in a culturally responsive and trauma-informed manner about case status, document requests, appointments, and next steps.
Assist with client education workshops and informational sessions.
Prepare draft motions, applications for relief, client and witness declarations, and supporting-document packages for filing in immigration court or with USCIS, under attorney and DOJ representative supervision.
Assist with immigration court and administrative agency filings, coordinate biometrics appointments, respond to RFEs, and liaise with USCIS, EOIR, and partner agencies as directed.
Maintain hardcopy and electronic client case files, dockets, calendars, ticklers, and conflict-of-interest records in cooperation with the legal assistant and under attorney and DOJ representative supervision.
Uphold confidentiality and ethical standards under DOJ Recognition & Accreditation requirements, and support program reporting, data tracking, and grant compliance.
Conduct outreach and educational presentations for CCEB and attend online and in-person trainings to maintain current immigration law knowledge.
Assist with recruiting and supervising office volunteers and students, and assist in preparing court filings for Immigration Court.
Model commitment to CCEB's mission and contribute to organizational sustainability, including through work with the executive team as needed or as an agency representative.
Perform other duties as assigned.