Senior Paralegal

Church World Service•Miami, FL

13d

About The Position

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home. Purpose The incumbent is responsible for the supervision of the Legal Department Paralegals including but not limited to case file review, case load distribution and client services involving preparation of immigration applications and related documents. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring case files are maintained in compliance with guidelines and procedures of the program.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in lieu of degree.
Minimum of 4 years of work experience with asylum seekers, refugees, asylees, and immigrant entrants.
Strong computer literacy with knowledge of word processing and database applications.
Ability to use standard office equipment in performing varied activities.
Attention to detail.
Respect of confidentiality.
Fluent in a refugee language.
Strong English writing skills.
Must have valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle.
Must complete motor vehicle record check.
Must be willing and able to travel.
Background check required.
Level 2 Fingerprints required.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Responsible for training and supervising paralegals, including in court related matters.
Holds weekly meetings with legal staff to assign new cases as well as the review and discuss on-going cases.
Participate in legal staff meetings and lead the meetings in the absence of the Director of Immigration Legal Services.
Provide weekly activity reports to the Director of Immigration Legal Services.
Develop and maintain accurate case list and manage case files.
Conduct periodic system and project reviews to ensure maintenance of case files in compliance with project guidelines and procedures and to ensure that all case files are maintained appropriately as it pertains to professional service delivery.
Review case files.
Assist attorneys with trial preparation by preparing case files, exhibits, relief applications, waiver applications, and motions.
Assemble case materials by collecting, organizing, and summarizing information, documents, reports, and evidence.
Properly managing client appointments and professional duties to ensure thorough and professional representation of client interests.
Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills to ensure proper communication with clients, court personnel, and other parties.
Demonstrate strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Assist clients in completing their immigration applications, including, but not limited to employment authorization (I-765); permanent residence (I-485); asylum (I-589); parole renewal (I-94); citizenship (N-400).
Spot potential problems and issues in each instance that may prevent applicant from receiving desired benefit.
Identify potential solutions for identified issues and problems.
Conduct intake interviews with clients.
Analyze each applicant to determine eligibility for desired immigration benefit and services.
Prepare clients for USCIS interviews and represent clients at USCIS as an accredited representative.
Update job knowledge by participating in continuing educational opportunities.
Participate in trainings and courses as needed to obtain and/or renew partial or full DOJ accreditation.
Represent CWS/IRP at community-based organization meetings related to immigration issues.
Coordinate and plan outreach activities to achieve program goals.
Approve and coordinate with the Lead Paralegal and Director of Immigration Legal Services staff time off, for those staff that are under your direct supervision, in order to ensure continuous and adequate program coverage.
Perform other related duties and special projects, as requested by the Director of Immigration Legal Services.