Overview PASO - West Suburban Action Project (Proyecto de Acción de los Suburbios del Oeste) is a community-based social justice organization that works to engage community members to address issues that affect them, their families, and neighbors with the mission to build stronger communities where all residents can live dignified lives regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic or immigration status. PASO was founded in March 2009 to fight for immigrant rights in west suburban Cook County and other collar counties, and its mission is to develop the leadership skills of the immigrant community so residents can organize, create opportunities, and exercise their collective power. PASO is based in Melrose Park, Illinois, and primarily serves the western Cook County suburbs. PASO provides direct services, community education, and legal support to immigrants, refugees, and asylees, and helps community members navigate issues that affect their ability to live and thrive. PASO is seeking an experienced Immigration Paralegal to support its immigration legal clinic. Working under the supervision of the Legal Director / Staff Attorney, the Immigration Paralegal will provide high-quality case support, client communication, document preparation, legal research, case-file management, and community education. The role requires strong attention to detail, sound judgment, compassion for clients, and the ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-moving, community-based nonprofit environment. The ideal candidate has experience supporting a range of immigration matters and understands the importance of accurate, timely, culturally responsive legal services. This person should be comfortable working closely with an attorney, communicating in both English and Spanish, supporting clients through stressful and complex situations, and helping strengthen systems and processes within a small legal team. This position is in person and based in Melrose Park, Illinois.

Reports to:

Staff Attorney

RESPONSIBILITIES

Immigration Case Support & Document Preparation Support the Legal Director / Staff Attorney with immigration matters that may include naturalization and citizenship, permanent residency, adjustment of status, consular processing, family petitions, re-entry permits, DACA renewals, U Visas, T Visas, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) matters, humanitarian parole, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status matters. Conduct client intake interviews, gather relevant facts and documents, and prepare clear case summaries for attorney review. Assist with determining whether prospective clients meet PASO's service eligibility requirements and identify matters requiring attorney review. Prepare, organize, and help complete immigration forms, applications, petitions, supporting evidence, correspondence, and other case materials under attorney supervision. Review case materials for completeness and accuracy before attorney review and filing. Conduct legal and factual research as assigned by the supervising attorney. Track filing requirements, deadlines, appointments, requests for evidence, and other case milestones. Maintain accurate, organized, confidential, and up-to-date electronic and physical client files. Perform administrative and clerical tasks necessary to support the effective operation of the legal department. Client Service & Case Management Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned clients while working in coordination with the Legal Director / Staff Attorney. Communicate regularly with clients regarding document requests, appointments, case status, deadlines, and next steps as directed by the supervising attorney. Explain administrative processes and attorney-provided guidance in clear, accessible language without independently providing legal advice. Support clients in collecting records, completing forms, preparing for appointments or interviews, and understanding procedural next steps. Provide Spanish-language communication, translation, and interpretation support as appropriate. Work compassionately and professionally with clients who may be experiencing significant stress, uncertainty, trauma, or other barriers to accessing services. Escalate legal questions, changes in case circumstances, potential risks, or client concerns to the supervising attorney promptly. Community Education, Outreach & Volunteer Support Support the planning and delivery of community legal education activities, including citizenship workshops, Know Your Rights trainings, and other immigration-related presentations. Collaborate with PASO staff on outreach, participant coordination, registration, materials, and follow-up for legal workshops and clinics. Assist with training and coordinating volunteers, interns, or other legal-service support personnel as assigned. Represent PASO professionally in community-facing activities and support the organization's broader mission of serving and strengthening immigrant communities. Legal Department Operations & Team Collaboration Participate in regular legal-team meetings, case reviews, work planning, and process-improvement activities. Work collaboratively with the Legal Director / Staff Attorney and other PASO staff to ensure effective coordination across legal services, programs, organizing, and community outreach. Help develop, document, and maintain efficient case-management, intake, tracking, and client-communication practices. Maintain confidentiality and follow PASO policies, professional standards, attorney supervision requirements, and applicable legal-services procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, including the ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with clients in both languages. At least two years of experience working as a paralegal, legal assistant, accredited representative, or in a substantially similar immigration legal-services role. Working knowledge of U.S. immigration processes, forms, filing requirements, and common immigration case types. Experience preparing or supporting immigration applications, petitions, supporting evidence, client files, or related legal documents. Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to produce accurate, complete, and well-organized work. Strong organizational, case-management, problem-solving, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple cases, deadlines, and priorities while working independently and seeking attorney guidance when appropriate. Ability to work compassionately and effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds, including individuals with limited English proficiency. Demonstrated commitment to immigrant communities, community-based legal services, and PASO's mission. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive client information. Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications and willingness to learn PASO's case-management and information systems. Preferred Qualifications Current U.S. Department of Justice accreditation through a recognized organization, or prior experience working in a DOJ-recognized immigration legal-services program. If not currently accredited, willingness and ability to work with PASO toward DOJ accreditation if appropriate for the role and the organization's legal-services model. Experience supporting a broad range of family-based, humanitarian, citizenship, and removal-related immigration matters. Prior experience in a nonprofit, legal-aid, immigrant-rights, or community-based organization. Experience facilitating or supporting citizenship workshops, Know Your Rights trainings, legal clinics, or other community education activities. Paralegal certificate, college degree, or other relevant legal-services education or training.

COMPENSATION

Salary of $67,000.00 annually and benefits include 100% employee coverage of medical, dental and vision insurance. Cell phone and mileage reimbursement. Generous time off and flexibility.

TO APPLY

Please send a resume and a cover letter to hiring@pasoaction.org . To ensure prompt attention, put "Immigration Paralegal" in the subject line. The deadline for applications is October 12, 2026 . Equal Opportunity PASO is an equal opportunity employer. PASO does not discriminate against or tolerate harassment of any employee because of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other basis prohibited by law, or protected activity under the anti-discrimination statutes. Women, LGBTQIA people, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pay:

$67,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Melrose Park, IL 60160