Paralegal

Mission: HIAS Pennsylvania supports low-income immigrants of all backgrounds as they build new lives in our community. Through Immigrant legal services and an array of social services, we work to address their needs, defend their rights, and advocate for their equitable inclusion in American society.

The role of the Paralegal is to help support the legal services programming of the agency. The paralegal will provide direct case support to DVP staff who provide legal services to survivors of domestic violence. As part of their role, the Paralegal will be required to ask about challenging and sensitive subjects, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, persecution, and torture. Under the direction of the Supervising Attorney, the Paralegal will be responsible for scheduling cases for agency staff, collecting client documentation and information, and making appropriate referrals. The candidate should have a college degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience. Spanish language fluency is required. Prior experience working in a legal services agency is preferred. The ideal candidate will also have had prior experience working with immigrants and/or victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or other forms of trauma.

The paralegal will provide support to DVP staff in their direct legal representation of immigrant survivors of domestic violence. Responsibilities include: 

• Draft immigration forms related to various types of domestic violence-based benefits, like U visas and VAWA Self-Petitions, under the direct supervision of the responsible attorney; 
• Communicate with clients to ensure timely and effective information sharing regarding upcoming appointments, deadlines, and other individual aspects of case; 
• Assist clients and attorneys with collection of key evidentiary documents in support of case;
• Draft client statements and witness statements, under the direct supervision of the responsible attorney;
• Collaborate with social service partner agency regarding social services needs and referrals;
• Conduct initial screening of client referrals; 
• Maintain case files and data entry in case management database; 
• Manage up-to-date waitlist of clients in need of services; 
• Provide other general administrative support to attorneys, where appropriate

The candidate should be passionate about HIAS PA’s mission, understand the organization’s roots in and relationship to the Jewish community, and have a demonstrated ability to work with diverse collaborators and stakeholders. In addition, the candidate should possess: 

• Bachelor’s Degree (strongly preferred) or equivalent combination of education and work experience;
• Bi-lingual in English and Spanish (required); 
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills; 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, Google Drive, database management, and internet;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; 
• Emotional Resilience Required: The Paralegal will be required to engage in frequent conversations with individuals who have experienced significant trauma, including domestic violence, persecution, and other forms of abuse and hardship. Due to the nature of the work, the paralegal must be capable of managing their emotional responses and maintaining professional boundaries. 
• Ability to work independently and within a team while working with diverse professional and human service workers; 
• Ability to pay close attention to detail; 
• Ability to work with diverse populations and sensitivity to the needs of trauma survivors; 

• Self-starter willing to take initiative to find creative solutions to challenges facing clients that arise in the course of representation; 
• Flexibility within the position’s roles and responsibilities when working as a part of a team;
• Prior experience working in a legal services organization with immigrants and/or survivors of interpersonal violence preferred; 

Other Information: HIAS Pennsylvania is currently working on a hybrid work model. HIAS Pennsylvania requires all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with the exception of those with approved medical or religious belief exemptions.

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience ($48,000 - $52,000)
• Exempt position with a 35-hour workweek
• Employment package includes company-paid employee comprehensive health insurance coverage
• 403(b) Retirement account with employer matching contribution & safe harbor
• Generous Time Off including Vacation, PTO, & Paid Holidays
• Company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance

How to Apply: HIAS Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital, veteran or disability status, political affiliation, or beliefs. We believe that diversity enriches our organization and helps us to fulfill our mission. All qualified applicants, including those who represent minority and marginalized groups, are strongly encouraged to apply.