Title: Immigration Paralegal
Program: Immigration Legal Services
Reports to: Senior Attorney
Valley Oasis is a community-based organization dedicated to eliminating social and domestic violence and homelessness through community awareness, intervention, prevention, safe shelter, and supportive services.
The Domestic Violence Services program is an intervention program funded through the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The program supports people who have experienced domestic violence in regaining autonomy, self-esteem, safety, and stability.
The Immigration Paralegal works under Senior Attorney supervision to screen prospective participants, assist with immigration and family law matters, prepare case materials, and maintain accurate case files. This position provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive support and helps participants understand case procedures and updates.
Key Responsibilities:
· Assist with screening prospective participants, conducting intakes, completing forms, and gathering information and documents for immigration and family law matters.
· Manage an assigned caseload under attorney supervision, track deadlines, and coordinate with Senior Attorney to ensure accurate and timely submissions.
· Serve as a primary point of contact for participants, respond to telephone inquiries, and provide case updates in coordination with the supervising attorney.
· Prepare U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) forms, correspondence, and supporting documents, including responses to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and nunc pro tunc submissions, for attorney review.
· Organize supporting documents and exhibits, review draft filings for completeness and accuracy, prepare case summaries, and promptly incorporate attorney and supervisor feedback.
· Conduct legal research and factual investigations under attorney direction, including research related to U and T visa applications, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitions, and battered spouse waivers; search public records and other resources to support case preparation.
· Interpret and translate between English and Spanish, including translating documents as needed.
· Maintain timely, accurate, and complete paper and electronic case files, participant records, case notes, and deadlines using practice management systems and Agency documentation procedures.
· Work with the attorney to support Legal Services Department programs, projects, and administrative activities.
· Represent the Legal Services Department at interdepartmental, city, county, state, regulatory, civic, and community meetings and outreach events as assigned.
· Develop and maintain professional working relationships with participants, community organizations, partner agencies, immigration court personnel, and government agencies.
· Promote participant and staff safety by following and enforcing applicable program rules, Agency policies, and security protocols.
· Communicate schedule changes, office activities, case concerns, and other significant matters to the supervisor in a timely manner.
· Participate in staff meetings, individual and group supervision, case reviews, conferences, required training, and professional development activities.
· Maintain participant confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical standards in accordance with Agency policies and procedures.
· Perform additional administrative duties, outreach activities, projects, and responsibilities assigned by the supervisor in support of Agency goals and program outcomes.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
· Knowledge of domestic violence dynamics and trauma-informed supportive services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes against persons.
· Knowledge of immigration policies, systems, local programs, public funding sources, regulations, requirements, and procedures affecting immigrants.
· Ability to provide culturally responsive services to diverse and underserved populations while demonstrating sensitivity to survivors’ circumstances.
· Ability to exercise initiative, sound judgment, discretion, flexibility, and decision-making consistent with Agency values and supervisor direction.
· Ability to work independently and collaboratively, resolve routine problems, and recognize when attorney or supervisor involvement is needed.
· Ability to remain composed and respond effectively in crisis situations, under stress, and amid rapidly changing circumstances.
· Self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative, stay focused, and complete assigned responsibilities with minimal prompting while following supervision direction.
· Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and follow tasks through to completion.
· Ability to communicate professionally and effectively, verbally and in writing, with participants, staff, leadership, volunteers, court personnel, government agencies, and community partners.
· Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of participant information, Agency business, program decisions, and personnel information, and to maintain professional boundaries.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Drive; electronic case management systems; and standard office equipment.
· Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English and Spanish and to interpret and translate between the two languages.
· Ability to report on time for scheduled shifts, work a flexible schedule when required, and travel throughout the Antelope Valley and Los Angeles County using a personal vehicle as needed.
Role Clarification
The Immigration Paralegal provides legal support under attorney supervision. The supervising attorney directs legal strategy, determines the legal advice provided to participants, and reviews filings. The paralegal may communicate attorney-approved information and assist with case preparation but does not independently provide legal advice or legal representation.
Qualifications
· Completed paralegal certificate or degree required.
· Minimum of four years of experience as a paralegal in immigration law required.
· Demonstrated understanding of immigration relief for victims of crime including U Visas, T Visas and VAWA.
· Demonstrated understanding of USCIS procedures and common forms, including I-130, I-485, N-400, I-765, I-601A, I-360, and I-918.
· Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish required due to the high number of Spanish-speaking participants in the community.
· Family law experience preferred but not required.
Agency Requirements
· Valid California driver’s license required.
· Reliable transportation required.
· Current auto insurance required.
· Clean driving record required.
Physical Demands & Work Conditions
To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, an employee must be able to meet the following physical demands and work conditions:
· May interact with individuals experiencing crisis, illness, substance use, or challenges related to personal hygiene and safety awareness
· May encounter unpleasant environmental or sensory demands associated with substance use, mental health symptoms, or lack of personal care
· May experience crisis situations and potentially hostile situations, must be ready to respond quickly and effectively.
An employee is required to:
· Walk and climb stairs
· Handle, grasp and manipulate objects and equipment
· Reach above shoulder level and below waist
· Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
· Move quickly and safely between locations
· Perform repetitive hand, wrist, and finger motions
· Climb stools, steps, or ladders as needed
· Work outdoors in varying weather conditions
· Lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position. Employees requiring accommodations should notify Human Resources as soon as the need becomes known.
Benefits:
Health
Employee Assistance Plan
Paid Sick
Dental
Cafeteria 125 Plan
Paid Vacation
Vision
Retirement Plan
Personal Days
Life Insurance
14 Observed Holidays
Schedule:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional evening, weekend, holiday, or on-call assignments may be required based on program and Agency needs.
Compensation:
Salary Range: $29.50 – 31.50 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience
This is a full-time, non-exempt position.
An Equal Opportunity Employer: Selection will be based solely on merit and will be without discrimination because of age, race, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability.