Paralegal, Immigration Services

Job Profile

• Job Title: Paralegal, Immigration Services
• Department/Program: Immigration
• Reports to: Adriana Gomez
• Job Details: FT, Permanent, non-exempt, hourly
• Scheduled Hours: Full Time, 37.5 weekly
• Benefits Eligibility: Full Time
• Compensation: $26- 29.
• EEO-1 Component 1 Job Category: Legal Professionals
• SOC Code: Paralegals and Legal Assistants
• Six-Level SOC Job Code: 23-2011.00
• Four-Digit Census Code: 2105

Job Summary & Position Rationale

The Paralegal, with a focus on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), supports attorneys by managing cases, preparing immigration and court documents, conducting legal research, and communicating with clients, courts, and agencies. This will include filing predicate orders with both Family Law Court and Probate Court, working with legal staff to ensure client’s SIJS representation needs are met.
Key duties include client intakes, gathering evidence and predicate orders related to child abuse/neglect/abandonment, filing court orders, drafting forms such as Form I-360 and Form I-485, and maintaining case files and calendars. The role emphasizes work with vulnerable youth and requires significant travel to courthouses within the Central Valley as well as workshops as they are planned.

Duties/Responsibilities

Paralegal Duties

• Independently prepare, file, and manage complex SIJS petitions, including drafting and submitting family and probate court predicate orders related to findings of abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
• Conduct advanced legal research, draft pleadings and declarations, and provide direct case preparation support to attorneys.
• Complete and review immigration applications (I-360, I-485, and derivative petitions), and prepare detailed responses to USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and FOIA requests.
• Maintain comprehensive case records and ensure compliance with all state and federal filing requirements, including CDSS immigration cases.
• Provide court and agency support, including document filing, coordination with social services, and preparation of case packets for hearings.
• Mentor and train other employees, fellows, and volunteers in assisting with SIJS casework; identify and implement process improvements to strengthen case management efficiency and accuracy.

Generalist Immigration Services Responsibilities

• Conduct client consultations under attorney or DOJ supervision, assessing eligibility for immigration relief and guiding clients through the application process.
• Prepare and file immigration applications, including Adjustment of Status, Consular Processing, DACA, Naturalization, U-Visas, VAWA, TPS, and LPR Renewals.
• Maintain organized case files, monitor deadlines, and ensure compliance with immigration and accreditation standards.
• Coordinate and participate in outreach workshops, community events, and legal clinics in partnership with community agencies and organizations.
• Represent ELF at meetings, training, and advocacy events to strengthen outreach and promote ELF’s immigration and related services.
• Pursue DOJ accreditation and remain current on immigration laws, procedures, and best practices to support program quality and compliance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Education – Associate degree or Paralegal Certificate required; Bachelor’s preferred.
• Experience – 5–6 years of immigration and civil/family law document preparation, with 2–3 years specifically in immigration law (paid or unpaid).
• Language Skills – Bilingual & Biliterate in English and Spanish required, with strong verbal and written communication.
• Client Interaction – Experience working with diverse communities, providing legal assistance, case management, or customer service.
• Technical Skills – Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google & Mac environments, and case management systems.
• Transportation – Valid CA driver’s license and access to reliable transportation for client meetings, outreach, and community events.
• Regional Knowledge – Local experience in Fresno/Tulare/Madera counties.

Pre-hire, Onboarding, Ongoing Requirements

• Insurability under ELF’s vehicle insurance policy and/or approved exemption
• Mandated Reporter Training
• Sexual Harassment Prevention & Response Training
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test clearance
• New hire orientation & I-9 document verification
• Background Check clearance and/or approved exemption
• Additional Training & documentation as required
• Lingual & Literacy Assessments for language requirements

Work Environment, Conditions & Requirements:

• Work generally takes place within an office environment. Air quality is good, with typically adequate lighting at desks/workstations. Occasionally, they will be expected to perform work duties in outdoor spaces during events or services related to outreach, walk-ins, high-demand service days, etc.
• Noise conditions are moderate and limited to self and others on telephone calls and general interactions with coworkers and the public.
• When performing most job duties, they will work in a private or shared office space with a designated workspace
• At times, they may be required to provide coverage or support in shared working environments.
• Works independently on day-to-day tasks and works collaboratively alongside other staff, volunteers, contractors, or interns as needed.
• Travel is required for courthouse filings, training, and outreach events
• Schedule - Typical work hours will be between 8:30AM-5 PM with a 1 hour unpaid lunch, Adjusted schedule may be required to include evenings and weekends on an occasional basis.

Physical Requirements

• able to hear staff on the phone and those served in person, and speak clearly to communicate information to patients and staff.
• able to read memos, computer screens, personnel forms, and clinical and administrative documents.
• able to use fingers and hands to type on a keyboard or phone, print or scan documents, etc.
• able to sit or stand at a desk for extended periods

Work Environment Accommodation Request

You can request a worksite accommodation to support a personal or medical need. Please note that any listed work environment accommodation request will undergo an interactive process that involves you (as the employee) and ELF leadership in determining a workable solution. If necessary, ELF will request documentation supporting your personal or medical needs.