Paralegal - Immigrant Children’s Program

Overview

This a hybrid position that requires minimum 2 -3 days in the office.

• Bilingual skills in Spanish are required for this position.

About CWS

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Immigrant Children’s Program Paralegal is to provide legal support to the CWS Indianapolis Immigrant Children’s Program and assist attorneys and DOJ Accredited Representatives in providing representation and follow-up services to children in ORR custody and to other immigrants.   

 

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the CWS Indianapolis Immigrant Children’s Program team, including communicating with clients, scheduling appointments, entering data in case management systems, compiling Know Your Rights materials, and creating and organizing files;
• Meet with clients to gather initial information and assist attorneys and DOJ Accredited Representatives in preparing applications for various immigration benefits with special focus on children and other vulnerable populations;
• Perform follow up with clients, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the immigration courts, ORR shelter staff, and other key players;
• Prepare motions and pleadings for filing with the immigration courts;
• Maintain accuracy in client case files and case logs; update attorneys and DOJ Accredited Representatives on case status;
• Complete referrals of released youth to legal service providers around the country per grant requirements;
• Maintain detailed tracking information of each child who enters the shelter;
• Conduct legal research;
• Perform other duties as requested.

Qualifications

Education: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor of Arts is strongly preferred.

 

Experience: 

• Two years of work or volunteer experience with asylum seekers, refugees, asylees, and other immigrants. 
• At least one year (or two academic semesters) of experience as a paralegal or intern in a law office or non-profit legal services environment is preferred. 

 

Other Skills:

 

• The successful candidate must be highly detail oriented and possess superior organizational and task management abilities.  Respect for client confidentiality.  Strong computer literacy, with knowledge of word processing and database applications, and ability to use standard office equipment in performing varied activities.  Superior written and verbal communication skills.  
• Bilingual skills in Spanish are required for this position.

 

 

Competencies:

Communications:  Able to communicate thoroughly and with self-confidence specific information relating to program or department. Communicate a positive, professional image of CWS, demonstrating respect, empathy and integrity.  Ask appropriate questions in seeking explanations needed to perform job.   Support “transparency of information” by sharing information and ideas with others to support effective performance.  Understand staff roles and procedures and prepare standard reports to track job progress or activities.  Promote sharing of relevant information among staff and with stakeholders.  Recognize the particular needs of partners and use established channels to respond to those needs.  Understand and be able to use appropriate technology to communicate with others inside and outside CWS.  Respect and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information within parameters defined by supervisor and/or CWS policy.

 

Constituent Relationships:  Understand who stakeholders are and be responsive to their needs. Facilitate interactions and serve as a resource in relations with stakeholders.  Recognize and be sensitive to issues of concern to stakeholders.  Recognize and be sensitive to cultural, ethnic and religious issues.

 

Job Knowledge:  Know the history of CWS and its place among non-governmental organizations (faith-based, ecumenical, secular, relief and developm