Immigration Paralegal

JFCS Immigration Legal Services 

Immigrants come to Pittsburgh from all over the world, seeking a better life for their families and/or fleeing persecution and violence. However, navigating the myriad of local, state and federal immigration laws carries tremendous uncertainty, challenges and expense. As a JFCS employee, you can help stabilize the pathway to citizenship for immigrants.  

The team at JFCS provides pro-bono legal services to immigrants to successfully navigate our complicated immigration system and eventually become US citizens.  JFCS Immigration Legal Services works holistically with all other departments in the agency to ensure that people who are struggling get the range of assistance they need. 
 

Position Summary: 

This position works directly with staff attorneys and unaccompanied children to help file immigration applications that will allow children stay in the United States when possible. The position requires Spanish proficiency and some travel to the children who are residing in facilities in Western Pennsylvania and other locations within a few hours driving time.  

Why you should apply 

Every week we receive referrals requesting assistance for children living in our region and in removal proceedings. Without help, they will most likely be forced to depart the United States to unsafe situations. The work performed by the candidate in this position is key in helping the children achieve their goals. This candidate serves as a face of compassion and hope in the chaos and confusion of the immigration system.  

About JFCS Pittsburgh: 

In today’s world, it is important that your life’s work brings you value and purpose. By joining the team at JFCS, you will experience hands-on opportunities that directly help people in the Greater Pittsburgh region through life’s changes and challenges.  

Proudly voted by JFCS employees as one of Pittsburgh’s best places to work for +10 years, our care and commitment to our employees and our clients is our top priority. We are looking for new employees who share our commitment to providing critical, high-quality services to the community.  

Benefits: 

• Collaborative work environment and diverse staff 
• 37.5 hours work week with flexible scheduling to support work-life balance 
• Hybrid work model (part of the week in office, part remote) 
• Sick Time = 12 days a year 
• Vacation Time = starts at 2 weeks the first year and then increases with longevity up to 4 weeks total 
• Additional paid time off for all employees = most federal holidays, 3-5 floating holidays (to be used at employee’s discretion), and several Jewish holidays 
• Comprehensive health insurance - medical, dental and vision 
• Short- and long-term disability, life insurance and a 401k package for which JFCS contributes 4% of salary after the first year of service 
• Annual longevity bonuses after the first year of service 

Qualifications: 

Bilingual in Spanish and English required.  Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Be culturally competent and practice a trauma informed approach to working with children. Experience working in the legal field is helpful but not necessary.   Experience working with children and general compassion towards immigrant children is paramount. Sensitivity to the needs of victims of trauma is essential.  

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Work closely with attorneys to interview children, prepare immigration applications and gather supporting evidence.  
• Respond to all telephone inquiries on the Spanish Language Intake Line, accurately obtain information related to the callers’ legal issues and follow up with the attorneys for placement on the case waitlist or refer to appropriate resources outside of the agency.  
• Prepare and file applications to USCIS, Motions and Petitions to Immigration and Family Court.  
• Correspond with clients and their sponsors to obtain information, draft affidavits, schedule appointments and answer questions.  
• Collect and enter data in the appropriate systems to track metrics and outcomes.  
• Maintain client immigration files, both paper and electronic files to ensure they are complete and up to date. 
• Clear, professional and appropriate communication with clients, staff and U.S. government officials. 
• Participate in staff development and training opportunities provided by JFCS to stay abreast of changes and best practices. 
• Enter and submit timesheets in a timely manner (weekly). 
• Attending all department meetings, attending other meetings and training courses as required. 
• Assume other responsibilities as assigned. 
• As needed to cover other staff who are on leave: 

• Travel to shelters to provide Know Your Rights presentations and legal screenings for unaccompanied children.