Immigration Paralegal

About CWS
Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.
Purpose
The primary purpose of the CWS Jersey City Immigration Paralegal is to provide administrative support to the Staff Attorney for the Afghan Legal Assistance program in the CWS Jersey City Legal Department in providing eligibility screenings, application completion, and follow-up service to eligible Afghan parolees who are seeking permanent protections and navigating other immigration benefit needs.
Responsibilities

• Meet with clients to gather initial information assist DOJ Accredited Representatives and Attorneys in preparing applications for various immigration benefits for Afghan Parolees applying for Asylum and Adjustment of Status
• Provide administrative support including answering client phone calls and text messages/emails, checking voicemails and legal department email, scheduling appointments, entering data in case management software; and collecting and photocopying or scanning documents.
• Assist with incoming and outgoing mail.
• Assisting DOJ Accredited Representatives and Attorneys in immigration case management and follow up with clients and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Maintain accuracy in client case files and case note documentation; update client case status regularly in case management database and digital/physical case files; regularly maintain internal spreadsheet records.
• Assist in compiling client application packets for various immigration benefits in a thorough and accurate fashion to ensure that all required evidence and documentation is attached for attorney review.
• Providing translation and interpretation assistance as needed including but not limited to interpreting as USCIS interviews.
• Assist DOJ Accredited Representatives and Attorneys in maintaining statistics and records to track Immigration Legal Services program results.
• Conduct legal research.
• Support the planning and execution of legal clinics with clients and external partners such as legal volunteers, law schools, and firms offering pro bono assistance.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Qualifications
Education & Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelor of Arts preferred.
• Previous Immigration Paralegal experience or paralegal certification is not required, but highly preferable.

Qualifications

• Experience with asylum seekers, refugees, asylees, and other immigrants preferred.
• At least one year of work experience in an office setting or internship in a law office or non-profit legal services environment is preferred.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and previous experience working with individuals from different backgrounds required.
• Prior experience with legal case management systems preferred.

Skills

• Highly detail-oriented and possesses superior organization and task management abilities.
• Self-starter who can perform tasks independently under Attorney supervision.
• Respect for client confidentiality and other requirements when working with sensitive client information.
• Strong computer literacy, with knowledge of word processing and database applications.
• Ability to use standard office equipment in performing varied activities.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Pashto and/or Dari fluency highly preferred (Farsi fluency may be acceptable if understanding that there may be additional work needed to ensure that Dari speakers understand what is being said or written);
• Ability to communicate well and work with clients who may not be literate in their native language and do not speak English.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS' Platform on Racial Justice.

Benefits
CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- 403 (b) Retirement Plan
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off (21 Paid Days Off; 27 Days after 2 Years)
- 14 Official Holidays
- Sick Time Off (12 Accrued monthly)
- Life Insurance and AD&D
- Long Term and Short-Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Commuter Benefits