Paralegal, Rapid Response

NYLAG•New York, NY

1d•$65,500 - $67,741•Hybrid

About The Position

NYLAG seeks a highly motivated, full‐time paralegal to support our work under the Pro Se Plus Project (PSPP), a collaborative of legal service providers and community-based organizations that was developed to respond to the needs of recently arrived asylum seekers. This project serves immigrant New Yorkers, with a focus on supporting asylum seekers who are at risk of detention and removal. The paralegal will also work with our Rapid Response Legal Collaborative (RRLC). Under the supervision of a supervising attorney or supervising paralegal, the PSPP paralegal will contact individuals who are eligible for assistance; field referrals from partners; make appointments; conduct intake; support preparation of evidence and testimony for legal assistance; track and collect data; file affirmative and defensive applications; and advocate on behalf of individuals and their families who are detained. Applicants must be prepared to handle a high volume of correspondence and cases and interact with clients in a trauma-informed and professional manner.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or two years of immigration experience required
Fluency in Spanish or other language common to our client population other than English required is required
Ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, manage multiple tasks and creatively problem solve
Experience working with immigrant communities of color, including LGBTQIA+ communities, youth and survivors of violence
Excellent written, oral and analytical skills
Excellent time and project management skills
Commitment to social justice and anti-racism

Responsibilities

Field referrals from internal and external PSPP and RRLC partners, conduct pre-screening of clients for basic eligibility requirements, track contacts made, and collect documents;
Screen clients for eligibility for immigration relief and relay advice from attorneys;
Advocate on behalf of clients and their families post-detention;
Work with clients to obtain the documents necessary to apply for relief and/or advocate on their behalf, fill out appropriate forms, schedule appointments, and follow up with clients via phone, mail and email;
Support legal research and draft legal documents under attorney supervision;
Interview clients and witnesses, as appropriate, and assist in preparing forms, affidavits, and other supporting documents to be submitted to USCIS or the Immigration Court;
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;
Assist unit attorneys in evidence preparation;
Work with the Pro Bono and Volunteer Unit in organizing, scheduling, and staffing clinics;
Provide internal referrals for financial counseling and other wraparound services, and external referrals to partner organizations;
Maintain regular contact with PSPP and RRLC partners
Any other job duties as required.