Senior Paralegal
Church World Service, Inc.

Job Info

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About CWS

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 CWS Greensboro Immigrant Children's Program seeks a Senior Paralegal to support our delivery of legal services. The Senior Paralegal is responsible for the supervision of ICP Paralegals and other non-attorney staff and interns as needed and oversees training and development of non-attorney staff in collaboration with Staff Attorneys and the Managing Attorney. The Senior Paralegal's job responsibilities include but are not limited to case file review, casework distribution and client services involving preparation of immigration applications and related documents. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring case files are maintained in compliance with guidelines and procedures of the program. Travel is required between CWS Greensboro and surrounding counties where clients / courthouses are located.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for onboarding, training and supervising paralegals and other non-attorney staff, including conducting initial and ongoing training; providing daily support and coaching; conducting regular check-ins and performance evaluations; and providing consistent and effective supervision to ensure the provision of consistent, high-quality paralegal and administrative support to the legal team.
• Supervise paralegals and non-attorney staff in consistent and quality provision of intake interviews and phone screenings; conduct intakes and phone screenings as needed.
• Assess cases for social service needs and assist with social services referrals; train paralegals and non-attorney staff in assessing cases for social service needs and assisting with referrals.
• Serve as point of contact for clients, proactively ensure that case files and case management system reflect current contact information, case developments, and updates on child's wellbeing and service needs; ensure regular check-ins with child are conducted in consultation with attorneys, particularly in which case adjudication is delayed due to retrogression or otherwise; keep attorneys apprised of updates and issues needing follow up.
• Assist clients in completing their immigration applications, including, but not limited to employment authorization (I-765); permanent residence (I-485); asylum (I-589); Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (I-360). Spot potential problems and issues in each instance that may prevent receipt of desired benefit. Compile application packets, including requirements documents such as birth certificates, translations, etc.
• Draft affidavits and motions for immigration and state court proceedings in consultation with attorneys; conduct research in consultation with attorneys as needed.
• Assist attorneys with trial preparation by preparing case files, exhibits, relief applications, motions, and other case materials.
• Hold regular meetings with non-attorney staff to review and discuss on-going casework. Participate in legal staff meetings and lead the meetings in the absence of the Managing Attorney of Legal Services.
• Ensure consistent, accurate, and timely file maintenance and data entry into our case management system; conduct periodic system reviews to ensure maintenance of case files in compliance with program guidelines and procedures.
• In coordination with attorneys, assist in clients' preparation for hearings and adjudicatory interviews.
• Supervise legal interns, as needed, and assists with trainings of legal interns as needed.
• Assist with the professional development of paralegals and other non-attorney staff in collaboration with attorneys and in consultation with the Managing Attorney.
• Properly manage client appointments and professional duties to ensure thorough and professional representation of client interests.
• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills to ensure proper communication with clients, court personnel, and other parties. Demonstrate strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Update job knowledge by participating in continuing educational opportunities.
• Participate in trainings and courses as needed to obtain and/or renew partial or full DOJ accreditation.
• Represent CWS/ICP at community-based organization meetings related to immigration issues; coordinate and plan outreach activities to achieve program goals.
• Approve and coordinate with the Managing Attorney of Legal Services non-attorney staff time off, for those staff that are under your direct supervision, in order to ensure continuous and adequate program coverage.
• Perform other related duties and special projects, as requested by the Managing Attorney of Legal Services.
• Keep supervisor informed of complaints, issues and/or problems for timely investigation and resolution.
• Act as interpreter or translator as needed; when needed, provide transportation for clients to/from hearings or other immigration appointments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of immigration legal or paralegal experience.
• Prior experience in working with children, preferably at-risk youth, immigrants or refugee children and/or working with vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma preferred.
• Prior supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong computer literacy with knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Excel, Microsoft Word, etc.).
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment with a keen attention to detail, working both independently and as a contributing member of the team.
• Fluent in Spanish. Strong English and Spanish writing skills.
• Background check required.
• Must have valid driver's license and reliable personal vehicle. Must complete motor vehicle check. Must be willing and able to travel. Milage accrued while executing work responsibilities is reimbursable by CWS.

Special Requirements

• Must have valid driver's license and reliable personal vehicle. Milage accrued while executing work responsibilities is reimbursable by CWS.
• Must complete motor vehicle record check.
• Must be willing and able to travel.
• Background check required.
• Level 2 Fingerprints required.

Benefits

CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- 403 (b) Retirement Plan
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off (21 Paid Days Off; 27 Days after 2 Years)
- 14 Official Holidays
- Sick Time Off (12 Accrued monthly)
- Life Insurance and AD&D
- Long Term and Short-Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Commuter Benefits

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