Paralegal

Church World Service; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) Retirement Plan

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Generous Paid Time Off

Holidays and sick days

Job summary

Church World Service is seeking a Paralegal to support the Immigration Legal Services Program, assisting DOJ Accredited Representatives with eligibility screenings, application completion, and follow-up for refugees, asylees, LPRs, and other immigrants.

Responsibilities include client intake, data entry in case management software, document preparation, and ongoing file maintenance. Haitian Creole language is strongly preferred to serve diverse clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional work experience required.
• Minimum 2 years of paralegal or internship experience in a law office or non-profit setting.
• Haitian Creole language fluency strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Meet with clients to gather information and assist in preparing applications for immigration benefits.
• Provide administrative support including answering calls, scheduling, data entry, and photocopying documents.
• Maintain accuracy in client case files and update case status regularly in the management system.
• Assist in compiling client packets and tracking program results for funders.

Skills

Detail oriented

Organizational skills

Confidentiality

Independent work

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional work experience

Tools

Case management software

Word processing

Database applications

Job description

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 primary purpose of the CWS Paralegal is to provide administrative support to the CWS Immigration Legal Services Program and assist DOJ Accredited Representatives in providing eligibility screenings, application completion, and follow-up services to eligible refugees, asylees, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and other immigrants.

Responsibilities

• Meet with clients to gather initial information and assist BIA Accredited Representatives in preparing applications for various immigration benefits for refugees, asylees, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and other immigrants.
• Provide administrative support to the CWS Immigration Legal Services team, including answering client phone calls and scheduling appointments, entering data in case management software, and photocopying documents.
• Assisting BIA Accredited Representatives in immigration case management and follow up with clients and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
• Maintain accuracy in client case files and case note documentation, update client case status regularly in case management database.
• Assist in compiling client application packets for various immigration benefits in an accurate fashion to ensure that all required evidence and documentation is attached.
• Assist BIA Accredited Representatives in maintaining statistics and records to track Immigration Legal Services program results.
• Conduct legal research, as directed by BIA Accredited Representatives.
• Provide administrative support to the legal team, including assistance with preparing periodic reports and trackers for funders as needed
• Perform other duties as requested .

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional work experience required .

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of previous experience as a paralegal or intern in a law office or non-profit legal services environment.
• Previous work or volunteer experience with asylum seekers, refugees, asylees, and other immigrants.
• Haitian Creole language fluency strongly preferred.

Skills

• The successful candidate must be highly detail oriented and possess superior organizational and task management abilities.
• Respect for client confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently to complete tasks with minimal direction.
• Strong computer literacy , with knowledge of word processing and database applications, and ability to use standard office equipment in performing varied activities.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills in English.

Special Requirements

The job will require reference checks, standard criminal background checks, and motor vehicle background checks.

Benefits

CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 403 (b) Retirement Plan
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years)
• 14 Official Holidays
• 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly)
• Life Insurance and AD&D
• Long Term and Short-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts