Paralegal/Administration - Church World Service
Jersey City, NJ
About the Job
Overview:
Reports to: Associate Director
Location/ Work Arrangement: US-NJ-Jersey City
Salary Minimum: $42,075.00/Yr.
Salary Maximum: $49,500.00/Yr.
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 incumbent is responsible for the preparation of case files including compiling application packets in an accurate fashion by completing required accompanying documents. Additionally responsible for providing KYR presentations within the Unaccompanied Children’s Program in the Jersey City office. The incumbent provides KYR to children in ORR custody.
Responsibilities:- Conduct Know Your Rights presentations at ORR shelter facility, individualized screenings and pre-court orientation in appropriate language, most commonly, Spanish.
- Maintains detailed tracking information of each child who enters the shelter.
- Meets with families of detained individuals and provides orientation on the detention process.
- Conduct intake interviews with clients and assist attorneys with client consultations. Analyze each applicant to determine eligibility for desired immigration benefit and services. Prepare clients for Family Court and/or USCIS interviews and court hearings, including explanation of guardianship as well as immigration court proceedings and potential relief available from deportation.
- Develop and maintain accurate case list and manage case files. Conduct appropriate file review to ensure that all case files are maintained appropriately as it pertains to professional service delivery.
- Assist in completing immigration applications for clients, including, but not limited to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (I-360); employment authorization (I-765); permanent residence (I-485); asylum (I-589); parole renewal (I-94); citizenship (N-400); and court motion, including motions to terminate, change venue, continue, and notice of filings. Spot potential problems and issues in each instance that may prevent applicant from receiving desired benefit. Identify potential solutions for identified issues and problems.
- Assists CWS attorneys and Legal Representatives in providing direct representation to clients. If the incumbent is an accredited representative, he or she may sometimes represent clients before USCIS.
- Prepares immigration court case files, exhibits, relief applications, waiver applications, and motions. Assemble case materials by collecting, organizing, and summarizing information, documents, reports, and evidence.
- Maintain calendar with hearing dates and important court deadlines.
- Conducts legal research to support filed immigration applications.
- Assists in preparing reports and compiling data as requested.
- Keeps CWS attorneys informed of complaints, issues and/or problems for timely investigation and resolution.
- Attends local and national training to keep informed about immigrant issues and to obtain/maintain accreditation with the Department of Justice.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
Experience:
Experience with US immigration issues and terminology and with DHS documentation as it relates to refugees, parolees, asylees, and other immigrants. Experience representing clients in immigration matters.
Competencies:
Communication
- Able to communicate thoroughly and with self-confidence a broad range of information relating to program or department.
- Communicate detailed and/or technical information clearly, in writing and orally.
- Anticipate constituent needs and interests and take proactive steps to respond to them.
- Promote “transparency of information” by sharing relevant information with staff and other stakeholders.
Constituent Relations
- Manage relationships with stakeholders and work within their structure to identify programmatic linkages, plan and implement services and coordinate activities.
- Identify potential constituents with whom to build relationships and flesh out details of those relationships within the context of CWS’s mission and values.
- Coordinate specific program activities with counterparts and include them in planning.
- Resolve issues of concern to maintain effective stakeholder relationships.
Job Knowledge
- Understand how to work multiculturally with sensitivity and integrity.
- Knows a broad range of information regarding specific program or department and use that knowledge to perform effectively and independently.
- Applies a depth of knowledge within area of responsibility to implement assigned activities.
- Uses technology in varied, creative ways to support individual and program performance.
- Identify learning opportunities for self and others and take/ recommend action.
Leadership
- Take responsibility for performance of own job duties.
- Model behaviors that are consistent with the mission and values of CWS in work activities and relationships.
- Demonstrate sound judgment in performing all duties.
- Recognize and use individual strengths to enhance work performance.
- Recognize areas of weakness and seek assistance to improve performance.
- Take initiative within area of responsibility.
- Respect the skills, needs and schedules of others in performing assigned duties and responding to others.
- Contribute ideas for implementing CWS’s vision and strategic plan.
Problem Solving
- Recognize routine problems, gather data and work through them thoroughly and effectively.
- Know whom to consult for assistance in solving non-routine problems.
- Exercise creativity in resolving problems and trying new ways of doing things.
- Know how and when to apply technical solutions to problems.
- Share results of problem-solving experiences with others.
- Remain flexible in responding to organizational priorities.
Program Planning and Management
- Anticipate workflow and take proactive steps to balance work priorities.
- Understand the desired outcome of assigned work and how it supports CWS’s objectives.
- Identify the resources and assistance needed to complete work assignments and make sure they are on hand.
- Complete routine assignments on time, making sure finished products are accurate and of expected quality.
- Contribute ideas to effectively implement program plans and activities.
- Keep others informed of work progress and any problems encountered.
- Take initiative and complete independent work projects.
- Understand organizational priorities and respect time sensitivity of work performance.
- Assist others to complete priority work, or step in to handle work in their absence.
Resource Building and Stewardship
- Recognize resource building potential in all interactions and be responsive and professional in providing information.
- Use financial and material resources provided by CWS to their best advantage, including business equipment and supplies.
- Demonstrate concern for natural resources in carrying out work activities.
- Make the most of own time and resources to maximize stewardship to CWS.
- Respect one another and relationships with staff, supervisors and managers.
Teamwork
- Contribute skills, knowledge and ideas to team discussion and work.
- Accepts accountability for assignments made within the team and for producing results on time.
- Keep team leader and members informed of work status.
- Demonstrate awareness of what other teams do and how their work affects own team.
- Recognize and respect the importance of work performed by colleagues.
- Understand organizational priorities and is willing to assist others to complete high priority tasks.
Special Requirements:
- 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.
- Fluent in Spanish required.
Source : Church World Service