Paralegal Non-Exempt

ERIE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE•Chicago, IL

5d•$24 - $26•Hybrid

About The Position

Erie Neighborhood House (ENH), a social service agency serving the Chicago metropolitan area and dedicated to promoting a just and inclusive society, is seeking a full-time Paralegal (40 hours per week). Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, the Paralegal will be housed out of Erie House’s 1634 W Van Buren St office and their basic function is to provide paralegal support to the legal team under the Legal Services department. In return to your commitment to Erie House and its mission to the community, you will enjoy excellent professional development opportunities, opportunity for growth, and have direct impact in building powerful communities. Be a part of one of the oldest and most respected Settlement House in the Chicago Land Area.

Requirements

Written and oral fluency in English/Spanish required
Excellent organizational, oral, communication, and written skills
Solution-oriented mindset, with a willingness to take initiative while juggling several priorities
Strong proofreading and detail-oriented research and writing skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with legal ethical and professional rules of conduct
Ability to prioritize and juggle multiple projects simultaneously and independently, often under pressure and in a fast-paced environment
Desire and ability to work independently, but also to perform in a team environment
Ability to follow directions and instructions of supervising staff, including receiving and applying constructive feedback
Ability to stay organized, manage a high-volume workload, and work under strict deadlines
Sensitivity to the needs and legal issues affecting people of diverse backgrounds
Excellent professional judgment and interpersonal skills
Ability to work a hybrid schedule of at least three (3) days on site
Access to reliable transportation.
Travel will be expected between various sites within Chicago city limits
Occasional weekend hours required for Saturday workshops
MUST BE A MEMBER OF AFSCME OR JOIN AFTER 30 DAYS

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree preferred
Previous legal research or paralegal experience preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and case management software preferred
Demonstrated commitment to social justice and sensitivity to challenges of the immigrant community.

Responsibilities

Perform administrative duties including answering phones, taking and delivering messages, receiving documents from clients, processing incoming and outgoing mail, making copies, filing records, preparing mailings, and assisting members of the public.
Promptly and accurately enter data in online case management database, including entering case notes, sending and responding to internal messages, and updating data at each stage of a client’s case.
Attend to clients’ questions regarding case status or program services via phone, email, or in-person.
Schedule and confirm appointments for legal representatives.
Collect fees from clients.
Cover the office reception desk and support the Legal Assistant as assigned.
Conduct client interviews and gather information by asking questions, actively listening and asking follow-up questions to clients.
Assist clients in drafting personal statements speaking to their personal history and eligibility for immigration benefits.
Gather and arrange evidence and other legal documents for legal representatives’ review and case preparation.
Conduct research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles.
Prepare immigration applications under legal representative and attorney supervision.
Assist individuals with the completion of the appropriate applications, including but not limited to: citizenship and naturalization, DACA, family petitions, consular processing, adjustment of status, U-visa, VAWA, asylum, and removal defense cases.
Assist in case management of immigration applicants, including but not limited to: maintaining client files, drafting cover letters and close out letters, preparing application packets, reviewing case files.
Follow up on pending case work and maintain communication with clients via phone, email, or mail regarding missing documentation necessary for submission of application.
Assist in case management of citizenship and immigration applicants at workshops and during office hours.
Respond to all phone calls and email inquiries on citizenship and immigration issues in a timely manner.
File documents and forms with the Chicago Immigration Court and the USCIS Asylum Office as requested.
Accompany legal representatives and clients to interviews before USCIS to serve as interpreter.
Conduct intake screenings with potential clients and translate legal documents.
Manage documents and files; read, analyze and organize case-related, time-sensitive records and assess conflicts.
Regularly attend immigration law trainings as requested.
Other duties as requested.

Benefits

Compensation of $50,000 - $54,000 salary/ 24.03 - 25.96 / hour based on experience
Work / life integration
Generous paid time off
12 accrued sick days per year
3 personal days
Paid birthday off
8 paid holidays, including Juneteenth
Paid week off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
Vacation Year 1 = 8 days
Year 2 = 13 days
Year 3 + = 20 days
Access to alternative and flexible work schedules and personal leave, where possible
Two-weeks fully paid Parental Leave, for eligible employees
Time off for school conferences and activities as well as bereavement leave
Employer-sponsored learning and development programs
Paid day off annually for personal professional development
Tuition Assistance & Debt Relief Program, as budget allows
Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance
Employer-paid life insurance
Voluntary life and AD&D and short and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, vision and dependent care
403b with employer match
Employee Assistance Program