Asylum Seeker Paralegal

Mercy Center is a comprehensive community center that has been serving women, men and their families in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx, NY for over 334 years. We are seeking a Asylum Seeker Paralegal to join Mercy Center’s Immigration & Asylum Seeker Programs department, which provides immigration application assistance for newly-arrived migrants, especially those applying for asylum. The Paralegal will have previous experience as a qualified DOJ accredited representative or willing and able to obtain accreditation. Reporting to the Co-Director of Adult Immigration & Asylum Seeker Programs, this is a full-time, 40 hour/week position that will require flexibility in scheduling to include some evening and weekend work. 

Responsibilities: 

· Screen and assess participants for eligibility for various immigration benefits, including but not limited to asylum, work authorization, change of address, change of venue, fee waivers, and TPS. 

· Help participants to complete applications, including gathering documents and responding to USCIS requests for evidence. 

· Perform factual and legal research while regularly monitoring developments in immigration law; make referrals to other providers, where appropriate. 

· Manage caseload through database, maintain organized case files, input relevant case data and record case progress information; respond to participant phone calls and emails. 

· Collaborate with other Mercy Center departments to provide comprehensive services for migrants 

· Assist with providing workshops on topics relevant to recently arrived migrants 

· Collaborate and maintain relationships with other immigration service providers 

· Compile and analyze program data and reports 

· Conduct community presentations on a variety of immigration law related topics and others of interest to the community. 

· Assist with collection of program data, drafting of program/funder reports, and participation in funder site visits. 

· Other duties as assigned by supervisor 

Qualifications: 

· Bachelor’s degree required 

· At least 4 years’ experience in a similar role required

· Previous DOJ/OLAP accredited representative status at a non-profit organization or willingness to apply for accreditation required. 

· Fluency in Spanish/English

· Excellent oral and written communication skills. 

· Excellent interpersonal skills including with ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and people in crisis. 

· Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment. 

· Excellent organizational, time management and computer skills with ability to prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced multicultural environment. 

· Experience using MS Office programs and data entry. 

· Understanding of challenges facing low-income, immigrant communities and communities of color 

Physical Requirements and Work Environment: 

· Generally works in standard office conditions (at a desk and computer) onsite 

· Usually works at one work site, but at times works at off-site locations and travels between locations when required. 

Compensation: 

Salary range is $55,000 - $58,000 depending on experience. We offer a comprehensive benefit package including health insurance and a tax-deferred annuity, with generous paid vacation, sick and personal days. 

To Apply: Please submit resume AND cover letter