Introduction: Church World Service (CWS) is a not-for-profit organization working to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice around the world. CWS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability or veteran status in employment or in the provision of services.

The CWS NY Office works with refugees, immigrant adults and children through home study, post release, legal and other services to ensure safe and dignified settlement in NY metro area. 

Primary Purpose: Process affirmative immigration applications and assist staff attorneys in the preparation of the immigration case files including compiling application packets in an accurate fashion and providing interpretation/translation for attorney(s) and/or clients when necessary. Perform outreach in the community. 

Essential Duties:

• Assist clients in completing their immigration applications, including, but not limited to employment authorization (I-765); permanent residence (I-485); asylum (I-589); Temporary Protected Status (I-821); parole renewal (I-94); citizenship (N-400); and court motions, including motions to terminate, change venue, continue, and notice of filings.

• Conduct intake interviews with clients and assist attorneys with client consultations. Analyze each applicant to determine eligibility for desired immigration benefit and services. Prepare clients for USCIS interviews and court hearings. Conduct legal orientations for clients in removal proceedings, including explanation of immigration court proceedings and potential relief available from deportation. 
• Assist attorneys with trial preparation by preparing immigration court case files, exhibits, relief applications, waiver applications, and motions. Assemble case materials by collecting, organizing, and summarizing information, documents, reports, and evidence. Maintain calendar with hearing dates and important court deadlines.
• Regularly communicate with clients regarding their potential eligibilities for immigration relief or services, and help managing appointments and perform other professional duties to ensure thorough and professional representation of client interests.

• Develop and maintain accurate case list and manage case files. Conduct appropriate file review to ensure that all case files are maintained and services are rendered timely and appropriately.

• Update job knowledge by participating in continuing educational opportunities. Participate in trainings and courses as needed to obtain partial or full DOJ accreditation. 

• Represent CWS NY at community-based organization meetings related to immigration issues. Coordinate and plan outreach activities to achieve program goals.

• Assist in training junior paralegal and other staff. 

• Support grant reporting and special projects, as requested by the Office Director and attorneys.

Qualifications: 

Education:  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience. Paralegal qualifications required.

Experience:  Previous work experience with asylum seekers, refugees, asylees, and immigrant entrants.

Skills: 

• Bilingual Spanish/English required. 
• Strong computer literacy with knowledge of word processing and database applications. Ability to use standard office equipment in performing varied activities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills Demonstrate strong attention to detail and organizational skills with various audiences: staff, clients, officials and community partners. 
• Demonstrated interest and ability to work with diverse immigrant and refugee communities. 
• Respect of confidentiality.
• 2-3 or more years of immigration paralegal experience strongly preferred. 

CWS’ U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Policy requires all new staff to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as soon as reasonable, no longer than 60 days of employment. Any employee who is pregnant, who is nursing, who has a disability, or who has a medical condition that prevents them from safe vaccination, or who rejects vaccination because of sincerely held religious beliefs, may contact the CWS Benefits Administrator to request reasonable accommodation as defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). 

CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 403 (b) Retirement Plan

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off

• Life Insurance and AD&D

• Long Term and Short Term Disability

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Health Savings Account

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Commuter Benefits