Paralegal

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About the Organization

Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, now IM Houston, is Greater Houston’s longest-serving interfaith-based social services organization. Originally founded in 1964 as Protestant Charities, we’ve evolved to reflect Houston’s rich diversity of faiths and cultures. Our mission is to bring people of diverse faith traditions together for dialogue, collaboration, and service, as a demonstration of our shared beliefs

While our name and logo have been refreshed, our commitment to empowering individuals and uniting communities has never been stronger. Our core services include:

• Meals on Wheels/Animeals

• Refugee Services

• Interfaith Relations and Community Partnerships

• Volunteer Houston

Position Summary

The Paralegal (Legal Assistant) will provide support to the attorneys who provide direct representation of clients seeking immigration relief.  The applicant must be bilingual, fluent in English and Arabic. The successful candidate will be knowledgeable about and adhere to rules surrounding the unlawful practice of law and client confidentiality.

Main Responsibilities

• Under attorney supervision, coordinate client services and assist in obtaining supporting documentation and completing immigration legal applications.
• Under attorney supervision, maintain regular contact with clients, including providing updates on case status and court hearings or deadlines, and following up on case outcomes.
• Accurately translate documents from foreign language to English and vice-versa.    
• Interpret at USCIS, Asylum Office, or other appointments.  
• Organize and maintain client legal files as directed by supervisor. 
• Maintain accurate and timely data for reporting as directed by supervisor. 
• Participate in regular peer and supervisor review meetings. 
• Attend team, program and agency-wide staff meetings as directed by supervisor.   
• Attend trainings as directed by supervisor. 
• Participate in outreach activities and information sessions for immigrants and social service agencies. Outreach may require occasional evening and weekend events.
• Perform all other duties as needed and/or as directed by supervisor.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of one (1) year of relevant immigration legal experience or high school diploma and six years of relevant immigration legal experience.   Examples of “relevant immigration legal experience” include knowledge and assisting attorneys with the following processes:  Asylum, Special Immigrant Visa, Adjustment of Status, EAD, Parole and Re-parole, Temporary Protected Status and Citizenship.  
• Previous partial or full BIA accreditation (eligible for accreditation immediately upon hire. 
• Bilingual, fluency in English and Arabic.  
• Knowledge of basic typing skills and proficiency in computer applications including Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage time and resources.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Team player, self-motivated, and reliable. 
• Demonstrated commitment to providing high quality services to immigrants and sensitivity to the needs of low-income, culturally diverse clientele. 
• Demonstrated ability to promote an organizational culture that reflects IMGH core values.  
• Integrity in handling ethically complex and confidential situations.   
• Texas Driver's License; clean driving record; and reliable vehicle with automobile liability insurance.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.