Immigration Legal Services Associate

Project Rousseau; New York (NY); On-site; USD 56,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ICHRA healthcare reimbursement

Job summary

Justworks, Inc. in New York City seeks an Immigration Legal Services Associate to provide paralegal support to attorneys serving immigrant youth and families in immigration court.

This is a full-time, on-site role based in Manhattan, with responsibilities from intake to affidavits and evidence collection. The ideal candidate holds an Associate or Bachelor's degree and has at least 1 year of paralegal experience; 2+ years in immigration law preferred.

Qualifications

• Requires fluency in Spanish or French.
• Associates or Bachelor's degree required.
• At least 1 year paralegal or related experience; 2+ years preferred in immigration law.

Responsibilities

• Support attorneys representing clients in family/immigration court in asylum and SIJS applications.
• Assist with client intake and interviews.

Skills

Fluency in Spanish

Fluency in French

Education

Associates or Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Employment type Full-time employee Department Legal Services Work location 1560 Broadway Compensation $56,000 – $63,000 annually
Final compensation will depend on the location and level at which the candidate is hired

About this job

Legal Services Associate

Please note: Fluency in Spanish, French, Fulani, or Persian (Farsi and/or Dari) is required for this position. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.

About Project Rousseau

Project Rousseau is a non-profit organization that empowers youth in communities in the greatest need to excel in higher education. The majority of the young people served by Project Rousseau are homeless and/or asylum seekers; Project Rousseau is at the forefront of the humanitarian migrant crisis in New York City.

Position Overview

Through Project Rousseau’s Immigration Legal Services, we provide a pathway to hope and opportunity. We believe that every young person, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the chance to pursue their educational goals with dignity and without fear. We empower young people to navigate the complexities of the immigration system, understand their rights, and pursue pathways to legal status and stability. We aim to ensure that young people have access to high-quality legal representation and support as they seek to build their futures.

Project Rousseau seeks an Immigration Legal Services Associate to provide paralegal support to attorneys representing immigrant youth and families in immigration court. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Manhattan, New York. The Associate will work with clients to gather information and prepare affidavits and supporting documents for their applications for asylum.

The successful candidate will have paralegal or related legal-services experience and be comfortable working with young people and families in sensitive circumstances. They will work under attorney supervision to support case strategy, prepare filings and evidence, communicate with clients and caregivers, and coordinate with Project Rousseau colleagues.

Responsibilities include

• Support attorneys representing clients in family/immigration court in their applications for asylum and/or Special Immigration Juvenile Status.
• Assist with client intake and interviews
• Work with clients to prepare draft affidavits and declarations for attorney review, using trauma-informed and age-appropriate practices.
• Collect, organise, and prepare supporting evidence, including identity, family, school, medical, and other relevant records.
• Conduct research to prepare country conditions reports in support of a client’s claim for asylum.
• Assist attorneys with preparing petitions, motions, proposed orders, exhibit packets, and other Immigration Court filings.
• Help prepare clients and caregivers for hearings and coordinate hearing logistics with attorneys, court personnel, and service providers.
• Communicate with clients and caregivers about requested documents, appointments, deadlines, and case updates, under attorney supervision.
• Provide translation and interpretation support to clients between English and Spanish and/or English and French.
• Maintain accurate case files and case-management records, track deadlines, and help attorneys manage a caseload effectively.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and Licensing

Associates or Bachelor’s Degree

Experience

At least 1 year of demonstrated experience as a paralegal or in a similar administrative role

Preferred: 2+ years of experience as a paralegal in immigration law or a related field.

Skills and Attributes

Fluency in Spanish or French

Outstanding organizational skills, including time management, record-keeping, and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines independently.

Excellent attention to detail and ability to complete forms accurately in a timely manner.

Strong interest in adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of young people and their families.

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Exceptional interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with young people, management, and program staff.

Values and Commitment

Deep commitment to social justice and a passion for serving immigrant communities.

Demonstrated ability to handle complex and sensitive matters with discretion, empathy, and sound judgment.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 35 hours per week

Job Location: 1560 Broadway, NY, 10036, please note this is an in-person role. Candidates should be comfortable with being in-person at least 4 days per week.

Salary Range: $53,000-$63,000 per year

Benefits: Employer contribution to ICHRA (Healthcare Reimbursement)

EEO Statement

Project Rousseau is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, marital or partnership status, familial or caregiver status, military or veteran status, height or weight, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sex offenses, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, New York State, or New York City law.Project Rousseau provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, for pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, for religious observance and practice, and as otherwise required by law.

This position is a contract-funded position with an initial one-year term, with the possibility of extension subject to continued funding and satisfactory performance.