Temporary Paralegal – Virginia Immigration

Description

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE 

Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA.  

WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB? 

Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe: 

• In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United?States. 

• In the overall success of our organization and all our programs. 

• That families should be healthy and safe from harm. 

• That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country. 

• That diversity and equality make this country better. 

WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL? 

• Support Ayuda’s Virginia Legal Team by conducting trauma-informed client intakes and screenings under attorney supervision to establish client eligibility for Ayuda services. 

• Assist attorney staff by providing case management assistance, communicating with clients, preparing, and organizing filings, tracking deadlines, and maintaining accurate and up to date data in the case management platforms.  

• Communicate and meet directly with clients to prepare immigration documentation including declarations, forms, and supporting evidence.

• Provide front-desk coverage as needed when Ayuda’s intake specialist is out of the office.

• Perform outreach activities to connect community members with the appropriate legal services.  

• Assist with grant reports and administration. 

• Other administrative/paralegal duties as assigned.

Requirements

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS JOB? 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment.  

• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment.

• Must pass (or have on file) an FBI background check and a Child Protective Services (CPS) check for each state you have lived in for the past 5 years.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish with strong written and oral communication skills in both languages required.

• This position will be based in our Virginia Office. This position is hybrid and will include both in-person and remote workdays. 

Qualifications: 

The following qualifications are the qualities, experiences, and skills we seek in a candidate. Candidates who don't feel that they meet every single qualification, but who still believe they’d be the right fit for this role, are encouraged to consider applying! 

We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways -- not just candidates who check all the boxes. 

• Experience working with immigrants strongly preferred. 

• Experience working with children strongly preferred. 

• Experience working with survivors of trauma a plus.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

• Proficient with Legal Server and Online Funder Platforms (UCORD, UCLS,etc).

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.

• Availability to begin work as soon as possible (contingent on funder approval) preferred. 

• Demonstrated commitment to social, racial and economic justice.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The anticipated salary for this position is $56,000 to $68,000 depending on experience. 

For example, a candidate with two years of relevant work experience would receive a salary of $59,000, and a candidate with five years of relevant work experience would receive a salary of $63,500.  

Please note that this position is contingent upon federal funding. 

If the relevant federal funding is discontinued, the position may be subject to termination.   

We are proud of the benefits we can offer that include:   

• Platinum-level medical insurance plan 100% employer-paid 

• Dental and vision insurance 100% employer paid 

• Long-term disability insurance 100% employer paid 

• Life and AD&D insurance 100% employer paid 

• Pre-tax 401(k) with Employer match on first 3% of salary 

• Vacation Days: 21 days per year until year 3, 27 per year in years 3-7 and 33 days per year after 7 years employment. Employees begin with 3 days of vacation leave.  

• New employees begin with 5 days of Health & Wellness (sick) leave and accrue an additional 5 hours per pay period plus emergency medical leave up to 12 weeks per year 

• 12 weeks paid parental leave 

• 24 days paid holidays and staff wellness days, including Winter Break, the last week of the year 

• Job-related professional development fees (including annual state bar dues and professional memberships) 

• Flexible work schedules 

Employees with federal student loan debt may be eligible to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education. For more information, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.  

This position is non-exempt for overtime purposes.

TO APPLY: 

Please apply with resume and cover letter. Writing samples may be requested. 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Apply early for full consideration. No phone calls, please. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT: 

Ayuda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.  

We believe that a diversity of experiences, opinions, and backgrounds is integral to achieving our mission and vision. We celebrate diversity and seek to leverage the passion, energy, and ideas of a culturally diverse team. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, and our hiring and promotion practices comply with all applicable anti-discrimination laws. 

Salary : $59,000 - $63,500