Paralegal / Intake Specialist

NYLAG•New York, NY

2d•$67,793 - $72,442•Hybrid

About The Position

NYLAG seeks a highly motivated, full‐time, permanent paralegal / intake specialist to serve as the point person for all referrals, both external and internal, coming into the Immigrant Protection Unit (IPU). Under the supervision of a Supervising Attorney and/or a Supervising Paralegal, the intake specialist will field referrals from other units and partners; conduct comprehensive intakes for clients; contact individuals who are eligible for assistance; make appointments; gather documents; support preparation of affirmative applications for immigration status and relief; handle cases and clients; and track and collect data. Applicants must be prepared to learn about IPU’s grants and eligible provision of services, handle a high volume of correspondence, and interact with clients and partners in a trauma-informed and professional manner.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required
Fluency in Spanish is required
Ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, manage multiple tasks and creatively problem solve
Experience working with immigrant communities of color, including LGBTQIA+, youth, survivors of violence, and other marginalized communities
Excellent written, oral and analytical skills
Excellent time and project management skills
Commitment to social justice and anti-racism

Nice To Haves

1-3 years of immigration experience strongly preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

Assist with clearing and returning calls and emails received through the IPU hotline and intake email;
Conduct pre-screening of clients for basic eligibility requirements, track contacts made, and collect documents;
Screen clients for eligibility for immigration relief and complete necessary data entry for referrals;
Be a primary case handler: Assist clients to obtain the documents necessary to apply for relief, fill out appropriate forms to be submitted to USCIS and other agencies, and follow up with clients via phone, mail and email;
Assist in preparation for pro bono, community and internal clinics, including screening, making appointments and confirming attendance
Attend pro bono, internal and community clinics under the supervision of an attorney and/or supervising paralegal and conduct necessary follow-up
Work towards partial DOJ -accreditation in order to represent clients before USCIS
Manage data entry in internal and external data management systems and assist with generating reports;
Assist unit attorneys and case handlers with document translation and verbal interpretation at immigration interviews and evaluations;
Provide internal referrals for financial counseling and other wraparound services, and external referrals to partner organizations;
Maintain regular contact with partner organizations;
Any other job duties as required.