Paralegal / Legal Assistant

African Services; New York; On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Community Navigator to support immigrant communities in New York City. The role involves providing immigration services, conducting outreach, and assisting clients with legal applications under attorney supervision. The ideal candidate is bilingual and has experience in social services. This position offers a dynamic work environment focused on community support and advocacy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social science or related field.
• 1 year of experience in social or legal services for immigrant communities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach and pre-screen clients for immigration services.
• Prepare and submit applications for immigration relief.
• Assist clients with documentation and follow-up.

Skills

Bilingual

Good oral communication

Organizational skills

Research skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social science

Job description

Summary: The Community Navigator will join African Services Committee (ASC) staff as part of a coordinated citywide initiative, ActionNYC, which will reach immigrant communities across New York City to connect individuals to free immigration legal consultations, document preparation, and application assistance. The Community Navigator will be supervised by the ActionNYC Attorney in these endeavors at ASC’s Harlem office. The Community Navigator will provide immigration services under attorney supervision, including legal screenings and consultations, application assistance, representation in immigration cases and necessary follow-up services. The Community Navigator will also operate ASC’s legal hotline to provide basic information and pre-screen potential clients. They will also assist in the preparation and delivery community outreach efforts or know-your-rights presentations on various issues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Conduct outreach to fill immigration legal services appointments and organize the appointment times. Pre-screen callers from ASC’s legal hotline for eligibility for immigration benefits and services as well as their ability to qualify for ASC’s legal programs. Interview people who are referred from either the ASC or ActionNYC legal hotlines to obtain more detailed information to assist the ActionNYC attorney better assess their legal issues and provide them with relevant and correct legal advice.
• Under the supervision of the ActionNYC attorney, prepare, review, complete, and submit applications for straightforward affirmative immigration relief, including Family-based visa petitions, Adjustment of Status applications, DACA, TPS, naturalization, green card renewals, removal of conditions for certain Lawful Permanent Residents, and others.
• Assist clients to obtain the documents or information necessary to apply for immigration benefits and fill out appropriate forms. Follow up with clients via phone, mail, and email as needed. Monitor and follow up on all filed immigration applications with immigration agencies or clients as needed.
• Capacity permitting, provide support to the more complex cases being handled by the ActionNYC attorney.
• Make appropriate referrals for cases or services beyond the scope the program, or capacity of the program’s staff to other providers. Ensure that program clients receive assistance in obtaining resources or referrals to address their non-legal needs.
• Track and report comprehensive data regarding both the clients represented and the services provided via the ActionNYC program. Enter information into ASC’s case management system for all clients directly represented by the ActionNYC Navigator. Comply with all ActionNYC reporting requirements. Assist ActionNYC attorney to prepare quarterly and annual reports. Assist ActionNYC attorney to prepare for any on-site audits by funder.
• Create and maintain physical and electronic files, including managing correspondence with clients and documenting correspondence with immigration and other agencies. Comply with all case file, case management, and reporting protocols and requirements.
• Participate in ActionNYC trainings. Work closely with other ActionNYC staff to implement program protocols.
• Participate in large‐scale screening events, including supervision of volunteers.
• Assist with community outreach and know‐your‐rights workshops to educate immigrant communities about forms of immigration relief.
• Represent ASC at collaborations with other organizations on issues related to the ActionNYC program.

Qualifications, Education and/or experience required:

• Bachelor’s degree in social science, social work, or a related field.
• Currently a DOJ Accredited Representative, or immediately eligible to apply to become a DOJ Accredited Representative.
• Prior training, or at least one year of professional experience, related to providing social or legal services to one of the following: immigrant communities or low-income communities.

Skills, Licenses, and/or competencies required:

• Bilingual: Fluency in English and Spanish or French. Preference for candidates with additional foreign language abilities.
• Interest and/or commitment to working on behalf of immigrant communities.
• Good oral communication skills and ability to interact with a wide range of individuals.
• Good organizational, planning and time management skills.
• Good research and writing skills.
• Good computer skills and experience with data entry.
• Ability to meet deadlines on time all the time.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, public interest setting and to foster and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Thrive in a busy environment and able to shift gears when needed.
• Flexible schedule and availability for occasional evening and weekend work.
• $40,000 to $50,000. Based on experience.

Please include “ActionNYC Navigator” in the subject line