Bilingual (Spanish/English) Immigration Paralegal

Important note: we require both a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in this position to consider your application.

The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is seeking 1 full-time Bilingual (Spanish-English) immigration paralegal for our law office in Batavia, NY. This office handles work under the Office of New Americans (ONA) State contract at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia. Paralegals work with VLP attorneys, social workers, and other paralegals to represent detained clients. This is a public defender model program where we represent all detained people that are facing deportation and are not otherwise represented.

This position will work out of our Batavia, NY office with the ability to work a hybrid remote/in-office schedule after the successful completion of the 3-month introductory period. Office culture values work/life balance with reasonable working hours and discourages weekend work. Generous PTO and benefits.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform client intakes and filings, as directed, at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility
• Assist attorneys with country conditions research and translations as well as preparing motions, compiling hearing evidence, gathering bond evidence, etc.
• Maintain client files.
• General office support work - data entry, filing, photocopying, phones, mail, etc.
• On the job training. Local travel to and from the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility is required as well as occasional trips to the Buffalo office. Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle are required.

Requirements/Skills - Required:

• Fluency in Spanish and English.
• Ability to collect and manage data.
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, with VLP staff and a variety of other partners, including volunteer attorneys, student interns, and court staff.
• Excellent verbal and written skills in Spanish and English.
• Ability to multitask, be proactive and flexible in an office with high volume that moves at a quick pace.
• Must be organized and capable of tracking work carefully for the purpose of grant and contract reporting requirements.
• VLP is a paperless office. Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook) is required as well as an understanding of case management systems such as LegalServer.
• Knowledge of basic office technology such as mailing, faxing, scanning, and copying.
• Sincere ability and desire to work with low-income immigrants and their families.
• Positive attitude and a willingness to learn immigration law and procedure.

Requirements/Skills - Preferred (not required):

• Paralegal degree or certificate
• Prior immigration law experience and/or prior experience as a paralegal

Salary/Benefits:

• Salary range starting at $52,150.00 – $55,753.00 per year based on years of relevant work experience
• Employer paid benefits including 90% paid health insurance premiums, a Health Reimbursement Arrangement account, long-term disability insurance, life/AD&D insurance, Pension contributions, and an Employee Assistance Program
• Other Benefits available through pre-tax employee contributions: Dental insurance, Vision insurance, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, transportation account, 403b plan
• Eligibility for public service loan forgiveness
• A respectful work environment with a true Work/Life balance:
  • 18 paid holidaysincluding the time between December 24 and January 1
  • 11 vacation days and 2 personal days in year 1
  • 15 vacation days and 4 personal days in year 2 (vacation caps at 23 days starting in year 6)
  • 10 sick days each year
  • 2 additional flexible days off in the summer (prorated in year 1)
• Flexible schedules, 35 hours per week
• Ability to work remotely up to 2 days per week (after the successful completion of the 3-month introductory period)
• Discourages weekend work, encourages utilizing PTO
• Dedication to diversity and inclusion

Important note: we require both a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in this position to consider your application.

VLP is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. Employer recruits without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital and familial status, domestic violence victim status, disability, military status, or protected veteran status.

For information on VLP, see www.ecbavlp.com