Immigration Paralegal

Catholic Charities East Bay • Full-time • Oakland, CA, US • 4h ago

Position Summary: Catholic Charities East Bay (CCEB) is strongly committed to the well-being and self-sufficiency of immigrant families. The Immigration Legal Services Department provides low-income families with free and low-cost quality immigration legal and citizenship services.

The Immigration Paralegal works as an integral part of a team of immigration attorneys, Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited representatives, paralegals, legal assistants, law student interns and support staff. Under the direction of the Managing Attorney, the Immigration Paralegal will assist in providing legal services, education and outreach, including coordination of community events, and working under attorney supervision to assist clients.

Reports to: Managing Attorney of Immigration Legal Services

Supervisory Responsibility: May supervise office volunteers and students.

Responsibilities:

Conduct client intakes, gather biographical information, and collect supporting documentation for immigration relief applications, including family-based petitions, humanitarian relief, naturalization, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) and in affirmative immigration applications before USCIS.
Screen potential clients and prepare immigration forms, affidavits, declarations, and supporting evidence packets under the supervision of DOJ-accredited representatives or attorneys, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with USCIS and EOIR requirements.
Maintain organized and up-to-date client files in electronic and paper case management systems, track case deadlines, monitor application status, and ensure timely follow-up with clients and government agencies.
Meet regularly with clients, witnesses, and family members at CCEB offices; via telephone to take declarations, fill out forms, and coordinate the collection of documents and supporting materials.
Communicate with clients in a culturally responsive and trauma-informed manner regarding case status, document requests, appointments, and next steps; assist with client education workshops and informational sessions as needed.
Prepare draft motions, applications for relief, client and witness declarations, and packages of supporting documents for filing in immigration court or with USCIS, under attorney and DOJ representative supervision.
Assist with preparation of filings for immigration court and administrative agencies, coordinate biometrics appointments, respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and liaise with USCIS, EOIR, and partner agencies as directed.
Manage the maintenance of all hardcopy and electronic client case files, dockets, calendars, ticklers, and conflict of interest records, in cooperation with legal assistant and under attorney and DOJ representative supervision.
Uphold confidentiality and ethical standards in accordance with DOJ Recognition & Accreditation requirements; support program reporting, data tracking, and grant compliance activities related to immigration legal services.
Perform outreach and educational presentations for CCEB.
Attend online and in person trainings to maintain up-to-date knowledge of immigration law.
Assist in the recruitment, supervision of office volunteers.
Assist in preparation of court filings to the Immigration Court.
Other duties as assigned.

Commitment to Mission and Organizational Sustainability: Model commitment to CCEB mission and planning for sustainable organizational future of service, including via work with the executive team as needed and/or as a representation of the agency.

Deliverables:

Within 90 days, the paralegal will maintain accurate and complete case calendaring system, prepare client forms, and research supporting documentation, such as country conditions research, for client applications.
Within the first 6 months of employment, enroll in the Comprehensive Overview of immigration Law (COIL) training.
Within six months, the paralegal will be able to complete client declarations and conduct thorough and accurate client intakes, for review by the Managing Attorney, staff attorney, or DOJ accredited representative.

Within one year, the paralegal will prepare complete filing packets for client applications and will conduct community education presentations

Qualifications

Paralegal certificate from an accredited certificate program plus two years of experience working under the supervision of a licensed attorney; or a bachelor’s degree with at least one year of experience in immigration legal services under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Current and active Department of Justice (DOJ) Accreditation may be accepted in lieu of a paralegal certificate or bachelor’s degree.
Bi-lingual Spanish Required
Proficient with data entry and reporting with software.
Strong administrative, organizational, interpersonal, verbal communication, writing and presentation skills are required.
Professional technology skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, and database software. Ability to scan, edit and create .pdf files and experience with shared folders.