Temporary Immigration Paralegal, VA

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE 

Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA.  

WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB? 

Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe: 

• In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States. 
• In the overall success of our organization and all our programs. 
• That families should be healthy and safe from harm. 
• That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country. 
• That diversity and equality make this country better. 

WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL? 

• Conduct trauma-informed screenings with potential clients for eligibility for Ayuda’s services, under the supervision of attorneys, including providing emergency assessments for survivors of trauma and, where appropriate, referrals; 
• Assist attorneys with preparing and drafting documents, including correspondence, immigration forms, client declarations, and court filings; 
• File and serve documents as required in court cases; 
• Maintain and create client records using client data base (Legal Server) and ensure integration of paper documents into electronic and hard copy case files;  
• Communicate with clients by phone to confirm appointments with USCIS, courts, and Ayuda attorneys;  
• Fill out forms with clients & assemble evidentiary packets to support applications for immigration benefits;  
• Work with organizational partners to arrange dates and locations for educational outreach presentations concerning legal services provided by Ayuda; 
• Coordinate outreach and referrals to and from organizational partners to ensure potential clients are aware of and able to access Ayuda’s services; 
• Assist in recruiting volunteers & interns to assist Ayuda in providing legal services; 
• Provide front-desk coverage as needed when Ayuda’s intake specialist is out of the office; 
• Assist with grant reports as assigned; 
• Other duties as assigned. 

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS JOB? 

Eligibility Requirements:   

• Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment.   
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment.  
• Must pass (or have on file) an FBI background check and a Child Protective Services (CPS) check for each state you have lived in for the past 5 years.  
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to travel for the job.  
• Bilingual in English and Spanish with strong written and oral communication skills in both languages required. 

Qualifications: 

The following qualifications are the qualities, experiences, and skills we seek in a candidate. Candidates who don't feel that they meet every single qualification, but who still believe they’d be the right fit for this role, are encouraged to consider applying! We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways -- not just candidates who check all the boxes. 

• Experience working with immigrants strongly preferred.  
• Experience working with children strongly preferred.  
• Experience working with survivors of trauma a plus.  
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.  
• Proficient with Legal Server and Online Funder Platforms (UCORD, UCLS, etc).  
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.  
• Availability to begin work as soon as possible (contingent on funder approval) preferred.  
• Demonstrated commitment to social, racial and economic justice. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS: 

The anticipated salary for this position is $56,000-$63,500, depending on experience. Please note that this position is contingent upon federal funding. In the event that the relevant federal funding is discontinued, the position may be subject to termination.  

We are proud of the benefits we can offer that include:   

• Platinum-level medical insurance plan 100% employer-paid 
• Dental and vision insurance 100% employer paid 
• Long-term disability insurance 100% employer paid 
• Life and AD&D insurance 100% employer paid 
• Pre-tax 401(k) with Employer match on first 3% of salary 
• Vacation Days: 21 days per year until year 3, 27 per year in years 3-7 and 33 days per year after 7 years employment. Employees begin with 3 days of vacation leave.  
• New employees begin with 5 days of Health & Wellness (sick) leave and accrue an additional 5 hours per pay period plus emergency medical leave up to 12 weeks per year 
• 12 weeks paid parental leave 
• 24 days paid holidays and staff wellness days, including Winter Break the last week of the year 
• Job-related professional development fees (including annual state bar dues and professional memberships) 
• Flexible work schedules 

Employees with federal student loan debt may be eligible to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education.  For more information, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.   

TO APPLY: 

Please apply with resume and cover letter.? Writing samples may be requested. 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Apply early for full consideration. No phone calls, please. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT: 

Ayuda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.  

We believe that a diversity of experiences, opinions, and backgrounds is integral to achieving our mission and vision. We celebrate diversity and seek to leverage the passion, energy, and ideas of a culturally diverse team. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, and our hiring and promotion practices comply with all applicable anti-discrimination laws.