ProBAR - ICH Paralegal TX

$45,455 - $52,273/Yr

American Bar Association - Harlingen, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Hybrid - Harlingen, TX

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Paralegal for the Adult team at ProBAR is responsible for providing legal orientations, direct representation, and pro se assistance to adults and families in removal proceedings in the Rio Grande Valley. This role involves advocating for clients seeking humanitarian immigration relief and requires regular interaction with individuals who may have experienced trauma. The position is integral to the Immigration Court Helpdesk Program, which offers legal orientation services to pro se respondents.

Responsibilities

• Provide group orientations, individual orientations, and workshops to detainees at detention centers under attorney supervision.
• Assist detainees with pro se applications for relief in immigration court, including document translation and country conditions research.
• Coordinate and track legal services for clients as necessary.
• Oversee client case files and maintain data integrity in case management systems.
• Ensure confidentiality and control of client information.
• Answer phone calls and provide information regarding client needs.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Possession of an associate degree or higher in paralegal studies, criminal justice, political science, or related field, or two years' experience as a paralegal.
• Fluency in English and Spanish, both written and spoken.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, OneDrive, Teams).
• Familiarity with conducting virtual meetings using software such as Zoom and Teams.
• Reliable internet and phone connection.
• Ability to pick up on client verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Reliable transportation for travel between office and off-site locations.

Nice-to-haves

• Possession of a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies, criminal justice, political science, or related field with 1 year of paralegal experience.
• Current certificate of completion of an ABA-approved paralegal program.
• Prior work experience with children, especially from Central America and indigenous language-speaking populations.
• Experience in immigration or detention-related volunteer or community work.
• Prior non-profit experience, particularly in immigration detention.

Benefits

• Medical and prescription insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Voluntary life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Prepaid Legal Plan
• 401(k)
• Paid company holidays
• Personal time off
• Vacation time off
• Self-care time off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) participation
• Sign on bonus offered
• Relocation Stipend offered for in-state and out-of-state relocation