Temporary Immigration Paralegal, DC

About the position Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA. This position supports attorneys in managing a diverse caseload by organizing client documentation, preparing immigration filings, drafting correspondence, and maintaining consistent communication to keep cases moving efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys with preparing and drafting documents, including correspondence, immigration forms, client declarations, and court filings
• File and serve documents as required in court cases
• Communicate with clients by phone to confirm appointments with USCIS, courts, and Ayuda attorneys
• Maintain and create client records using Legal Server and ensure integration of paper documents into electronic and hard copy case files
• Fill out forms with clients & assemble evidentiary packets to support applications for immigration benefits
• Work with organizational partners to arrange dates and locations for educational outreach presentations concerning legal services provided by Ayuda
• Coordinate outreach and referrals to and from organizational partners to ensure potential clients are aware of and able to access Ayuda’s services
• Assist in recruiting volunteers & interns to assist Ayuda in providing legal services
• Assist with the preparation of grant applications, grant administration, and funder reports using online platforms
• Provide other administrative/paralegal support as assigned

Requirements

• Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment.
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish with strong written and oral communication skills in both languages required.
• Must be willing to work from Ayuda’s DC office in person 2-3 days/week.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Proficient with Legal Server.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience as a paralegal or legal assistant preferred.
• Experience working with immigrants strongly preferred.
• Experience working with children strongly preferred.
• Experience working with survivors of trauma a plus.
• Availability to begin work as soon as possible (contingent on funder approval) preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to social, racial and economic justice.

Benefits

• Platinum-level medical insurance plan
• 100% employer-paid Dental and vision insurance
• 100% employer paid Long-term disability insurance
• 100% employer paid Life and AD&D insurance
• Pre-tax 401(k) with Employer match on first 3% of salary
• 21 days of Vacation Days per year until year 3, 27 per year in years 3-7 and 33 days per year after 7 years employment.
• 5 days of Health & Wellness (sick) leave
• Accrue an additional 5 hours per pay period plus emergency medical leave up to 12 weeks per year
• 12 weeks paid parental leave
• 24 days paid holidays and staff wellness days, including Winter Break the last week of the year
• Job-related professional development fees (including annual state bar dues and professional memberships)
• Flexible work schedules
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education

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