Job title: Paralegal The Immigration Project is seeking a full-time Paralegal to assist our Defending Opportunity, Voice, and Equality (DOVE) Team in zealous advocacy efforts by working with immigrants in our community seeking to secure immigration relief. The Paralegal is responsible gathering information from the client, obtaining criminal records, preparing applications for review, drafting statements and other information relevant to their case, as well as completing casework, maintaining accurate files, assisting in office administrative tasks, handling filings and any other assistance to advocates within The Immigration Project. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to work alongside others to advocate for a diverse set of clients through direct representation on immigration matters. He or she will be committed to provide support immigrants, as well assisting clients in filing for immigration relief in a fast-paced environment and able to handle a robust workload. Company Overview The Immigration Project is a dynamic immigration legal aid organization located in Normal, Illinois, with a satellite office in Champaign, Illinois. The agency is the largest non-profit immigration legal services agency located in downstate Illinois with immigration attorneys on staff and serves clients in 86 counties across central and southern Illinois. We understand the importance of immigration for our communities and believe in equal access to fairness and justice. Our goal is to advocate with, not for, our clients and walk alongside them through the legal process as they make the best decisions for their lives. Although The Immigration Project does not support the detainment of anyone, it is our priority to ensure that our immigrant neighbors from our service areas receive high-quality legal representation to assist them in their immigration journey. Job Details The Paralegal, who reports directly to the Senior Staff Advocate on the DOVE Team, is responsible for: Gather information for legal screenings to pass along to advocates. Support legal representatives by communicating with clients, preparing forms and supplemental documents, filing cases, and responding to post-filing requests from clients and notices from governmental agencies. Support clients and their families in gathering evidence and/or working with a social worker to find needed services. Provide administrative support to maintain reporting and case management systems as required by internal policies and grant requirements. Maintain, scan, and track all incoming mail across four office locations. Travel to attend and participate in workshops to serve pro se and client applicants seeking immigration relief or support. Possibly coordinate and engage with other community groups and volunteers who are assisting with the Program. In accord with the ethical standards required of the legal profession, the Code of Professional Responsibility, preserve client confidentiality, account for client monies and avoid conflicts of interest. Other job duties may be assigned. Qualifications Bachelors and/or Associates Degree Preferred. Fluent in Spanish is strongly preferred. Please indicate in your resume or cover letter level of Spanish fluency and years of Spanish language experience. Ability to take and pass various background checks to meet grant requirements. Previous experience working with immigrant communities, indigenous communities, victims of domestic violence, low-income individuals, and/or removal defense preferred. Computer and internet skills required. Ability and willingness to travel throughout Illinois regularly is required. A two-year commitment to the position is desired. Demonstrated ability to serve clients in a professional, welcoming, and efficient manner. Strong organizational ability; attention to detail and accuracy, and demonstrated ability to learn technical and legal information. Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced and growth-oriented environment, while maintaining a cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers.

Hourly Rate/Salary:

Begins at $22.12/hour with adjustments dependent on experience; Generous benefits package including flex time, vacation, personal, and sick days, full medical insurance, optional participation in dental and vision insurance. Retirement benefits.

Application Instructions:

Please email a letter of interest, resume, and references to: HR Specialist, Airielle Flagg, at aflagg@immigrationproject.org

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $22.12 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person