Paralegal

Overview

Position Title:            

Paralegal

Reports To:                

Attorney

Location:                  

Harrisonburg, VA

Work Arrangement: 

Fully Onsite 

Salary Grade:              

Level 4 

  

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 Paralegal is to provide administrative support to the CWS Immigration Legal Services Program, and assist BIA Accredited Representatives in providing eligibility screenings, application completion, and follow-up services, to eligible refugees, asylees, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and other immigrants eligible for the Central American Minor (CAM) Refugee Program.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Meet with clients to gather initial information and assist BIA Accredited Representatives in preparing applications for various immigration benefits for refugees, asylees, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and other immigrants eligible for the Central American Minor (CAM) Refugee Program.
• Provide administrative support to the CWS Immigration Legal Services team, including answering client phone calls and scheduling appointments, entering data in case management software, and photocopying documents.
• Assisting BIA Accredited Representatives in immigration case management and follow up with clients and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services;
• Maintain accuracy in client case files and case note documentation; update client case status regularly in case management database;
• Assist in compiling client application packets for various immigration benefits in an accurate fashion to ensure that all required evidence and documentation is attached;
• Assist BIA Accredited Representatives in maintaining statistics and records to track Immigration Legal Services program results;
• Conduct legal research, as directed by BIA Accredited Representatives;
• Perform other duties as requested.

Qualifications

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree

Experience:

• At least 2 years' previous experience working with asylum seekers, refugees, asylees, and other immigrants of that, at least 1 year (or two academic semesters) of experience as a paralegal or intern in a law office or nonprofit legal services environment is preferred.

 Skills:

• The successful candidate must be highly detail oriented and possess superior organizational and task management abilities. 
• Respect for client confidentiality. 
• Ability to work independently to complete tasks with minimal direction. 
• Strong computer literacy, with knowledge of word processing and database applications, and ability to use standard office equipment in performing varied activities.  
• Superior written and verbal communication skills in English.  
• A valid driver’s license and reliable mode of transportation are a must.
• Bilingual skills in Spanish are required for this position.

Special Requirements

The job will require reference checks, standard criminal background checks, and motor vehicle background checks. 

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