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Introduction: Church World Service (CWS) is a faith-based organization transforming communities around the world through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster. CWS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or identity, religion, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or in the provision of services.
Primary Purpose:
Assist the Managing Attorney, Staff Attorneys and/or Senior Paralegal in the preparation of the case files including compiling application packets in an accurate fashion by completing required accompanying documents and providing interpretation/translation for attorney(s) and/or clients when necessary. Perform outreach in the community.
Essential Duties:
Assist attorneys and Senior Paralegals with trial preparation by preparing immigration court case files, exhibits, relief applications, waiver applications, and motions. Assemble case materials by collecting, organizing, and summarizing information, documents, reports, and evidence. Maintain calendar with hearing dates and important court deadlines.
Conduct intake interviews with clients and assist Senior Paralegal/Lead Accredited Representative and attorneys with client consultations. Analyze each applicant to determine eligibility for desired immigration benefit and services. Prepare clients for USCIS interviews and court hearings. Conduct legal orientations for clients in removal proceedings, including explanation of immigration court proceedings and potential relief available from deportation.
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); and court motion, including motions to terminate, change venue, continue, and notice of filings. Spot potential problems and issues in each instance that may prevent applicant from receiving desired benefit. Identify potential solutions for identified issues and problems.
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.
Develop and maintain accurate case list and manage case files. Conduct appropriate file review to ensure that all case files are maintained appropriately as it pertains to professional service delivery.
Update job knowledge by participating in continuing educational opportunities. Participate in trainings and courses as needed to obtain partial or full DOJ accreditation. Represent clients at USCIS and/or immigration court as an Accredited Representative.
Represent CWS/IRP at community-based organization meetings related to immigration issues. Coordinate and plan outreach activities to achieve program goals.
Perform other related duties and special projects, as requested by the Senior Paralegals and/or attorneys.
Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
Experience:
Previous work experience with asylum seekers, refugees, asylees, and immigrant entrants.
Other Skills:
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. Strong English writing skills. Fluent in Spanish and/or Haitian Creole required.
Special Requirements:
COVID-19 Vaccination requirement
Must have valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle. Mileage accrued while executing work responsibilities is reimbursable by CWS.
Must complete motor vehicle record check.
Must be willing and able to travel.
Background check required.
Level 2 Fingerprint check required.
CWS’ U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Policy requires all new staff to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as soon as reasonable, no longer than 60 days of employment. Any employee who is pregnant, who is nursing, who has a disability, or who has a medical condition that prevents them from safe vaccination, or who rejects vaccination because of sincerely held religious beliefs, may contact the CWS Benefits Administrator to request reasonable accommodation as defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- 403 (b) Retirement Plan
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Life Insurance and AD&D
- Long Term and Short Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Commuter Benefits