Paralegal, Detention Project, NIJC

There are 2 open positions for this roleAbout NIJC

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC's team of over 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,500 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.

Summary:

The detention project paralegal is a member of NIJC's detention project and is primarily responsible for conducting detention intake and providing case support (including research, case review, documentation preparation and other related tasks to support general operations and the work of staff and pro bono attorneys). The paralegal is encouraged to seek accreditation with the Department of Justice if appropriate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Detention Intake, Case Screening & Case Support:

• Conduct intake interviews with detained non-citizens and their family members

• Present intake interviews for legal assessment

• In coordination with the assigned attorney, conduct legal and country-conditions research to assess claims and eligibility for immigration relief

• Staff weekly phone intake hotline

• Monitor and respond, as needed, to voicemails on the intake line outside of intake hours

• Manage and respond to mail and faxes from individuals in ICE custody

• Manage and respond to mail from non-citizens in state custody

• Respond to referrals from community and legal organizations seeking to refer detained cases. Prepare case acceptance packets and case closing letters for attorneys

• Organize and scan closed case files

• Prepare immigration cases for filing with attorneys

• Prepare affidavits and indexes; gather supporting documents

• Conduct country research and draft country conditions sections of filings

• Assist attorneys in preparation of pre-hearing statements

• Participate in trainings and review legal materials to remain current on immigration law, policies

• Any other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Legal Skills: Experience analyzing the impact of laws on vulnerable populations and advocating for improved laws and policies. Strong legal research and writing skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, work independently, and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

• Technology Knowledge/Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree with demonstrated experience working with immigrants, refugees and/or asylum seekers. At least one year of experience working with these populations is preferred.

• Language Skills: This position requires regular communication with clients in Spanish. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish.

• Other Qualifications: Excellent writing, editing, organizational and computer skills required. Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and perform well under strict deadlines.

How to Apply: Please Include your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your interest in this role, why the work resonates with you, and any experience that connects to NIJC's mission and the responsibilities of the position.

Physical Abilities Statement

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.

• The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.

• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

For any technical issues please contact recruiting@immigrantjustice.org