Bilingual Paralegal

POSITION TITLE: Bilingual Paralegal

REPORTS TO: Legal Director

Hours/Week: 40 hrs (Full Time)

FLSA Definition: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $52,000 - $58,000 commensurate with experience

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Background:

Since 1993, SEPA Mujer has provided safe spaces for empowerment, leadership development, civic engagement, and legal assistance as the only Latina Rights Organization dedicated to social change, women's rights, and immigrant rights, among others, by way of unique training, workshops, monthly meetings, presentations, tabling, and action-oriented engagement.

Description

SEPA MUJER, INC. seeks a highly skilled Bilingual Paralegal for its legal department to serve the Welcoming New York (WNY) Direct Legal Services program. This role is dedicated to providing critical, free legal services to the WNY target population, which includes immigrants residing in New York, families of mixed legal status, immigrants with sponsors, and/or immigrant business owners in New York.

The Paralegal will report to the Director of Legal Programs and must be capable of managing a caseload involving complex filings and providing in-person client support in various settings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Paralegal will perform duties that directly support the successful implementation of the work plan, including:

• Direct Legal Service Provision: Provide and support direct legal services at no charge to the client, ensuring all services adhere to the WNY Grant requirements.
• Case Strategy & Management: Conduct initial intakes, screening, and detailed legal counseling to develop a course of action strategy. Meet weekly with the Director of Legal Programs to review case status and strategy.
• Immigration Application Preparation: Prepare and file applications for immigration benefits that could lead to employment authorization, including:
• Asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), U and T Visas, VAWA.
• Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), including the necessary family court petitions.
• Adjustment of Status and Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement.
• Family-based petitions and work permits.
• Complex Filings and Court Support:
• Assist attorneys with evidentiary filings and prepare clients for individual hearings.
• Prepare and file preliminary matters, such as FOIA requests, motions to dismiss, motions to seek prosecutorial discretion, and motions to reopen/reconsider.
• Assist with pro se services for respondents in removal proceedings, including preparing appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and appeal extension requests.
• Provide support for clients attending ICE check-ins, preparing Stays of Removal, asylum interviews, and court appearances.
• Data Management and Reporting (Grant Compliance):
• Manage data tracking and documentation to meet enhanced reporting requirements for the WNY grant.
• Collect and analyze client data for quality assurance and program decision-making.
• Ensure all necessary client data is recorded for submission to the centralized system or directly to Hispanic Federation/DOS/ONA.
• Outreach & Representation: Conduct community-based legal clinics, presentations, and workshops in both western and eastern Suffolk County, as directed.

Qualifications

• A paralegal certificate and/or a minimum of two years of experience in the Immigration Field.
• Mandatory Fluency in English and Spanish is required to ensure all clients are served in the language of their choice, consistent with grant-mandated language access.
• Proven knowledge of immigration law is necessary.
• Demonstrated experience handling complex case types, including those requiring motion practice, asylum, SIJS, and U/T visas.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite with an emphasis on Excel.
• Experience with client database management and an ability to accurately track and report program data.
• Active team membership to reinforce a supportive work environment.

Benefits and Perks:

Besides a competitive salary, we offer the following benefits:

Health insurance coverage after three months of employment.

Vision and Dental insurance coverage.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Retirement Plan

Annual Paid time off and holidays: 10 PTO days, up to 5 additional days for sick time, and 11 holidays per year. (see handbook for details).

Professional development opportunities

A dynamic and inclusive work environment.

Holiday Vacation: The office is closed from December 24th to January 1st.

Deadline to Apply: December 15th, 2025

SEPA MUJER, INC. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $52,000 - $58,000