ASYLUM SEEKER PARALEGAL
Employment Opportunity
Mercy Center is a comprehensive community center that has been serving women, men and their families in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx, NY for over 34 years. We are seeking a Asylum Seeker Paralegal to join Mercy Center’s Immigration & Asylum Seeker Programs department, which provides immigration application assistance for newly-arrived migrants, especially those applying for asylum. The Paralegal will have previous experience as a qualified DOJ accredited representative or willing and able to
obtain accreditation. Reporting to the Co-Director of Adult Immigration & Asylum Seeker Programs, this is a full-time, 40 hour/week position that will require flexibility in scheduling to include some evening and weekend work.
Responsibilities:
- Screen and assess participants for eligibility for various immigration benefits, including but not
limited to asylum, work authorization, change of address, change of venue, fee waivers, and TPS. - Help participants to complete applications, including gathering documents and responding to USCIS
requests for evidence. - Perform factual and legal research while regularly monitoring developments in immigration law;
make referrals to other providers, where appropriate. - Manage caseload through database, maintain organized case files, input relevant case data and record
case progress information; respond to participant phone calls and emails. - Collaborate with other Mercy Center departments to provide comprehensive services for migrants
- Assist with providing workshops on topics relevant to recently arrived migrants
- Collaborate and maintain relationships with other immigration service providers
- Compile and analyze program data and reports
- Conduct community presentations on a variety of immigration law related topics and others of
interest to the community. - Assist with collection of program data, drafting of program/funder reports, and participation in
funder site visits. - Other duties as assigned by supervisor
Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree required
- At least 2 years’ experience in a similar role preferred
- Previous DOJ/OLAP accredited representative status at a non-profit organization or willingness to
apply for accreditation required. - Fluency in Spanish/English
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills including with ability to effectively communicate with individuals from
diverse backgrounds and people in crisis. - Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
- Excellent organizational, time management and computer skills with ability to prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced multicultural environment.
- Experience using MS Office programs and data entry.
- Understanding of challenges facing low-income, immigrant communities and communities of color
Physical Requirements and Work Environment: - Generally works in standard office conditions (at a desk and computer) onsite
- Usually works at one work site, but at times works at off-site locations and travels between locations
when required.
Compensation:
Salary range is $55,000 – $58,000 depending on experience. We offer a comprehensive benefit package including health insurance and a tax-deferred annuity, with generous paid vacation, sick and personal days.
To Apply: Please submit resume and cover letter to: Bridget Splain: bsplain@mercycenterbronx.org and Noemie Gerreth: ngerreth@mercycenterbronx.org
