Bilingual Immigrant Rights Paralegal | LONG ISLAND - CENTRAL ISLIP, NEW YORK
Employment Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Practice Group: Immigration
I. Organization Information
Empire Justice Center, a diverse and highly respected, statewide legal services organization, seeks a Bilingual Immigrant Rights Paralegal for our Immigration Practice Group. This is an opportunity to join and grow in one of the most influential organizations serving marginalized low-income individuals and families in New York State.
Empire Justice Center attracts and employs a diverse team of dedicated, determined, and passionate advocates who significantly impact the lives of low-income New Yorkers. We succeed through direct legal representation high-impact litigation, and legislative and administrative advocacy. Additionally, the organization provides top-notch training and technical assistance to other advocates to ensure fairness and justice for New Yorkers. The organization thrives on our commitment to supporting justice for populations historically and currently experiencing high levels of oppression. These populations include racially diverse individuals and families experiencing poverty, housing insecurity, immigration issues, and domestic violence. Additionally, the organization advocates for people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, and school-age children facing discrimination and violations of their civil rights in schools.
With offices in Rochester, Albany, Westchester County, and Long Island, our organization offers staff an exciting and dynamic inclusive working environment with a strong commitment to work/life balance, teamwork, diversity, wellness, and personal/professional development.
II. Position Summary
Empire Justice Center is pleased to announce an opening for a full-time Bilingual Immigrant Rights Paralegal for our Immigration Practice Group. The Bilingual Immigrant Rights Paralegal will be a critical member of our growing Immigration Practice Group working on the Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) grant, a position funded by the New York State Office of Victim Services. The primary function of the Bilingual Immigrant Rights Paralegal is to assist and support the Immigration Attorneys in administrative oversight of the project and in all aspects of direct representation in immigration law matters for victims of crimes.
III. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Scheduling and follow-up of client and related meetings.
• Provide case support and document and data management.
• Maintain the highest standard of ethics and professionalism.
• Arranging and scheduling other language access services, as appropriate.
• Provide quality Spanish/English interpretation and translation as needed.
• Developing a thorough understanding of the general requirements for grant reporting.
• Timely completion of tasks and assignments while working in the office and/or in a hybrid capacity.
• Work well both independently and as a member of a team of attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.
• Making appropriate referrals as needed for crime victims seeking services not provided by Empire Justice Center.
• Efficiently and accurately conduct administrative tasks associated with the Immigration Attorney’s responsibilities.
• Participate in immigration law-related training to gain an understanding of basic immigration legal rights and remedies.
• Completing all work in an accurate and timely manner, meeting or exceeding the caseload target required by grant sources.
• If the paralegal is Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited, they will provide direct representation, under attorney supervision, in immigration matters.
• Working with community groups, conducting outreach on the availability of services, and helping to develop and distribute community education materials.
• Work closely with assigned supervisor and participate in regular supervision meetings, work plan development, and management of grant deliverables.
• Participating, as requested, in the overall Crime Victims Legal Network (CVLN) and ensuring that all referrals from CVLN are handled promptly and appropriately.
• Provide client support and advocacy with other related matters, including but not limited to the filing of Office of Victim Services (OVS) Victim Compensation applications.
• Actively participating in the overall VOCA-funded Immigration Practice Group team and the work of the overall Practice Group as assigned and otherwise be an active member of the organization.
• Conducting intake for crime victims seeking legal assistance, being prompt in returning client telephone calls or emails and tracking documents, and ensuring case management systems are appropriately utilized and individual case data is up to date on all clients.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by your supervisor and/or to meet the organization's needs.
IV. Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
• Background check required.
• 3 years of related work experience.
• Exceptional recordkeeping and communication skills.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English interpretation and translation).
• Ability to collaborate with immigration attorneys and work as a team.
• Ability to manage immigration inquiries, gather required information, and keep clients informed of progress.
V. Salary
Salary is dependent on years of experience and based on the organizational pay scale. The beginning salary for this position, with 3 years of experience, is $39,904, and the salary for this position, with 14 years of experience, is $55,920.
This position will receive an additional $1,500 per year bilingual pay differential upon successful completion of a bilingual assessment.
VI. Benefits
We are an organization that supports and encourages a work/life balance. Empire Justice Center offers a generous benefit package including:
• Health insurance (employer pays 100% premium for a high quality, co-pay insurance plan).
• 403(b) eligibility with 1% employer match and additional employer contribution.
•3% Non-Elective Annual Contribution made by Empire Justice Center.
o Benefit eligible after 12 months of employment.
• Generous vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time
o 14 Paid Holidays
o Vacation PTO: 10.5 Hours/Month; Sick PTO: 7 Hours/Month; Personal PTO: 5 Days/Year
• Bilingual salary enhancement for qualifying employees.
• Loan Repayment Assistance Program.
• Voluntary Supplemental Disability.
• Dental Insurance (employee paid).
• Vision Insurance (employee paid).
• $150K Group Term Life Insurance.
• Generous Bereavement Leave.
• 35-hour full-time work week.
• NYS Short-Term Disability.
• FSA Eligibility.
Empire Justice Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and strongly desires a diverse and inclusive workforce. Empire Justice Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. It prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type, specifically - race, color, religion, age (40 or older), sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, disability status, genetics, neurodiversity, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
TO APPLY: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. If interested, e-mail a resume, writing sample, and contact information for three professional references aware of this application to employment@empirejustice.org. Please include “CI: Bilingual Immigrant Rights Paralegal, First/Last Name” in the subject line of the email. No phone calls or hard copies, please.
If reasonable accommodations are needed, please contact Mercedece Love, Human Resources and Compliance Coordinator at mlove@empirejustice.org. Empire Justice Center is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Empire Justice Center ensures that persons with disabilities and/or communication barriers are provided with reasonable accommodations.
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