Immigration Paralegal

Title:

Paralegal-Unaccompanied Children 

(Full Time Position) 

Status:
Non-Exempt 

Supervisor:
Manager of Immigration Legal Services 

JFCS Pittsburgh  

Founded in 1937, JFCS was voted one of Pittsburgh’s best places to work for 10 years running. We are committed to helping people of all ages and backgrounds through life’s changes and challenges. We do this by providing comprehensive, innovative and compassionate social service programs for everyone who walks through our door and throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region. 

 
Position Summary: 

Works directly with detained unaccompanied children brought to this region from the southern border to provide Know Your Rights presentations and preliminary legal intake screenings to help attorneys determine relief options for the children. Works with attorneys to determine relief and communicate with the children. The position requires travel to the facilities in Western Pennsylvania and other locations within a few hours driving time.  

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Travel to detention facilities to provide Know Your Rights presentations to unaccompanied children. 

• Provide initial legal screening to unaccompanied children and review with attorneys to help determine appropriate relief options. 

• Act as a point of contact with the shelter staff to arrange for scheduling and obtaining requisite information.  

• Be responsible for timely reporting and managing data in the database as required under the contract.  

• Work under attorney direction to assist unaccompanied children to complete forms, draft affidavits and prepare for court.  

• Maintain client immigration files, both paper and electronic files to ensure they are complete and up-to-date. 

• Clear, professional and appropriate communication with clients, staff and U.S. government officials. 

• Participate in staff development and training opportunities provided by JFCS in order to stay abreast of changes and best practices. 

• Enter and submit timesheets in a timely manner (weekly). 

• Attend all department meetings, attend other meetings and trainings as required. 

• Assume other responsibilities as assigned. 

 
Qualifications: 

• Bilingual in Spanish and English required.   

• Excellent written and oral communication skills required. 

• Be alert to cross-cultural interference in dealing with clients and be culturally sensitive.  

• Two years’ experience working in the legal field is helpful.    

• Experience working with children and sensitivity to the needs of victims of trauma is essential.  

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. 

Salary : $22