Immigration Paralegal
Church World Service, Inc.

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 Immigration Paralegal is to provide legal support to the CWS Dallas Legal Program and assist attorneys and DOJ Accredited Representatives in providing representation and follow-up services to immigrants in need of legal assistance. Our team currently has an Unaccompanied Children's program, an Afghan evacuees program, and a low-bono fee-based program.

We would strongly prefer to hire a candidate who is committed to pursuing DOJ Accreditation to represent clients before USCIS, DHS, immigration court and in other government proceedings. We are a DOJ-Recognized office and would facilitate the process of accreditation for qualifying candidates. During the accreditation process the candidate would continue to fulfill duties as paralegal but would also be afforded time to complete requirements necessary for accreditation. Obtaining accreditation would result in promotion and appropriate changes in responsibilities and compensation.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the CWS Dallas Legal 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;
• Conduct legal research;
• Perform other duties as requested.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.

Experience:

• Three year of professional experience is required, preferably as a paralegal.

Preferred:

• Previous work experience with asylum seekers, refugees, asylees, and immigrant entrants.
• Previous work experience with immigration legal services with a humanitarian focus.
• Previous work experience with children.
• Previous DOJ Accreditation.
• Completion of a Comprehensive Immigration Law Course (e.g. CLINIC's Comprehensive Overview of Immigration Law, World Relief's Basic Immigration Law Training, etc.)

Other Skills:

• Bilingual skills in Spanish are required for this position.
• Other foreign language skills preferred.
• Strong computer literacy with knowledge of word processing and database applications. Ability to use standard office equipment in performing varied activities. Attention to detail. Respect of confidentiality. Strong English writing skills.

Benefits

CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- 403 (b) Retirement Plan
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years)
- 14 Official Holidays
- 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly)
- Life Insurance and AD&D
- Long Term and Short-Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Accounts

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