Paralegal, Detention Project, NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center; Chicago (IL); Presencial; USD 45.000 - 65.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The National Immigrant Justice Center is seeking a detention project paralegal in Chicago to support detention intake, case screening, and filing activities for detained non-citizens. This role requires strong legal research and writing skills, and the ability to work with multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

You will conduct country-conditions research, prepare affidavits, and assist attorneys in assembling filings, while coordinating with staff and pro bono attorneys.

Formación

• Bachelor's degree with demonstrated experience working with immigrants, refugees and/or asylum seekers.
• Regular Spanish communication with clients (spoken and written).
• Excellent writing, editing, organizational and computer skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently under strict deadlines.

Responsabilidades

• Detention intake, case screening and case support duties.
• Conduct intake interviews with detained non-citizens and family members.
• Perform legal and country-conditions research to assess claims.
• Staff weekly phone intake hotline and respond to voicemails.
• Prepare case acceptance packets and closing letters for attorneys.
• Prepare immigration filings with attorneys and gather supporting documents.
• Assist attorneys in pre-hearing statements and trainings.
• Organize and scan closed case files and manage mail from ICE custody.

Conocimientos

Legal research

Spanish language

Writing

Multitasking

Educación

Bachelor's degree

Herramientas

Microsoft Office

Descripción del empleo

There are 2 open positions for this role

About NIJC

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC's team of over 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,500 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.

Summary:

The detention project paralegal is a member of NIJC's detention project and is primarily responsible for conducting detention intake and providing case support (including research, case review, documentation preparation and other related tasks to support general operations and the work of staff and pro bono attorneys). The paralegal is encouraged to seek accreditation with the Department of Justice if appropriate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Detention Intake, Case Screening & Case Support:
• Conduct intake interviews with detained non-citizens and their family members
• Present intake interviews for legal assessment
• In coordination with the assigned attorney, conduct legal and country-conditions research to assess claims and eligibility for immigration relief
• Staff weekly phone intake hotline
• Monitor and respond, as needed, to voicemails on the intake line outside of intake hours
• Manage and respond to mail and faxes from individuals in ICE custody
• Manage and respond to mail from non-citizens in state custody
• Respond to referrals from community and legal organizations seeking to refer detained cases. Prepare case acceptance packets and case closing letters for attorneys
• Organize and scan closed case files
• Prepare immigration cases for filing with attorneysPrepare affidavits and indexes; gather supporting documents
• Conduct country research and draft country conditions sections of filings
• Assist attorneys in preparation of pre-hearing statements
• Participate in trainings and review legal materials to remain current on immigration law, policies
• Any other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Legal Skills: Experience analyzing the impact of laws on vulnerable populations and advocating for improved laws and policies. Strong legal research and writing skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, work independently, and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Technology Knowledge/Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below is representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree with demonstrated experience working with immigrants, refugees and/or asylum seekers. At least one year of experience working with these populations is preferred.
• Language Skills: This position requires regular communication with clients in Spanish. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish.
• Other Qualifications: Excellent writing, editing, organizational and computer skills required. Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and perform well under strict deadlines.

Physical Abilities Statement

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.