Description

About Us: Founded in 1976, MWLS provides free civil legal services to protect and advance the rights and the well-being of people living in poverty, people 65 years and older, people with disabilities, and otherwise disenfranchised individuals living in the communities we serve. MWLS strives to help clients overcome barriers to achieving justice in areas that address their most basic human needs. MWLS is committed to fostering and nurturing a welcoming, equitable and inclusive workplace for all staff. 

The Position: Over the course of 2023, hundreds of newly arrived and unhoused immigrants have begun residing in emergency shelters in communities served by MWLS. In response, MetroWest Legal Services is seeking a Paralegal who will join the Immigration Unit in delivering pro se and limited representation immigration legal services to newly arrived immigrants residing in emergency shelters in the MetroWest communities. The Paralegal will report to the Supervising Attorney.

Responsibilities include: 

· Traveling to emergency shelters in the MetroWest area twice a week. 

· Conducting intakes and interviews with shelter residents remotely and/or in-person at emergency shelters.

· Preparing various immigration forms and filings under an attorney's supervision. 

· Maintaining case files and conducting data entry into MWLS’ web-based case management system. 

· Serving as a point of contact for clients, other shelter service providers, and volunteers.

· Assisting with the coordination and execution of legal clinics, interpretation, and other logistics regarding the delivery of legal services at emergency shelters. 

· In collaboration with members of the Immigration Unit, monitor program intake, referrals, case files and case management systems to ensure they reflect current contact information and status updates for shelter residents.

· Performing additional duties as assigned. 

Requirements

Qualifications and Requirements: 

· Bachelor’s, or Associate’s degree with at least one (1) year of relevant immigration or other related experience; or high school diploma with at least three (3) years of relevant immigration or other related experience preferred.

· Spoken fluency in Spanish, Portuguese or Haitian Creole is required. Language competencies will be tested during the interview process.

· Commitment to race equity, anti-racism and economic justice in the workplace and in the provision of legal services.

· Demonstrated commitment or experience working with individuals who may have experienced poverty, trauma or discrimination, or possess lived experience in these areas; 

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team; flexible and adaptable. 

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

· This position may require extended periods of standing, sitting, repetitive movements, bending and lifting of significant weight. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key components and primary responsibilities. 

· The ability to travel throughout the MWLS service area and to occasional statewide events.

Salary/Benefits:

Salary is based on a union scale with a base wage of $51,500 plus experience credit if applicable. MWLS’ benefits package includes generous paid time off leave, 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer match on retirement contributions, travel expense reimbursement plan, a multi-lingual increment for demonstrated language skills, and professional development opportunities.