Paralegal - Immigrant Victims Representation

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River•Fall River, MA

39d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Legal Department IVRP (Immigrant Victims Representation Project) provides free and low-cost legal services to low-income immigrants in Southeastern Massachusetts. Representing immigrants and their families applying for U visas, T visas, VAWA applications, DACA, TPS, Special Immigrant Juvenile status, green cards, defense from deportation, asylum protection, citizenship and other lawful statuses. The IVRP Paralegal will assist the IVRP Staff Attorney in representing victims and survivors of crime, trafficking, and abuse in applications for U and T visas, VAWA applications, as well as the above-mentioned services. Casework will involve legal assistance in both the affirmative and defensive (immigration court) contexts, as well as, to a lesser extent, connecting survivors with wraparound victim/trauma services. Representing these survivors requires compassion, empathy, and dedication to creating a safe space for discourse. Additionally, the IVRP Paralegal will support all activities related to the daily operations of the department, while promoting agency culture, respect and dignity. The Paralegal is responsible for ensuring the functions of the program are met while providing services that are safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable and client-centered.

Requirements

Bi-lingual required (Spanish preferred)
A reliable, insured vehicle and valid driver’s license
Experience or training working with survivors of trauma, crime, or abuse preferred
Enthusiasm and commitment to serving low-income immigrant communities, with experience in non-profit sector preferred
Excellent organizational and written and verbal communication skills
Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously
Computer skills with the ability to perform daily tasks within LawLogix Case Management system, Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Office Suite, PowerPoint and Excel

Responsibilities

Must demonstrate honesty, integrity, and professionalism at all times
Must exemplify our mission in action: which is helping those in need and treating others with compassion, dignity and respect.
May be required to assist in community outreach and advocacy efforts
Expected to communicate with professionalism and compassion
Must support the lead attorney or advocate and will not maintain an independent caseload
Must be able to take direction and carry out case plans independently
Must maintain client contacts and follow-up as needed
Must communicate with clients on a daily basis in English and Spanish
Must be willing and able to translate documents as needed
Must comply with all aspects of professional ethics and professional boundaries
Must help prepare and submit forms, petitions and motions, as well as working with clients to gather strong evidence
Must be able to take initiative, function independently and work collaboratively
Must maintain an effective working relationship with colleagues, supervisors, employees and other agency programs
Must attend all agency, program and community related meetings as directed
Responsible for accurate and timely submission of required documentation, and reporting requirements for the program
Must exhibit strong assessment skills, excellent documentation skills, organization, and communication skills
Must meet with Staff Attorney for weekly supervision and updates
Must respond to inquiries, phone calls, correspondence, and e-mails in a timely manner
Must complete all tasks as assigned by the Staff Attorney
Work with the Staff Attorney on any additional projects/matters for which he/she requests related to the program
Attend all required program trainings and assigned in-service trainings to comply with annual training requirements
Comply with all safety regulations, CCFR policies and adhere to agency confidentiality policy
Report all safety and ethical concerns to the Legal Director
Responsible for reporting all incidents to the Legal Director