Job Title: Paralegal (also open to OLAP Accredited Representatives)

Classification & FLSA Status: Full time | Non-Exempt

Pay Range: Starting at $23.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualification

Department: Legal Department | College Legal Services

Reports to: Supervising Attorneys & Managing Attorneys

Location: Hybrid (Remote & In-Person)

Job Summary: Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) seeks a bilingual paralegal to support attorneys providing legal services, with a concentration in Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases (SIJS), at California State Universities and/or community colleges, CARECEN offices, and other offsite locations in the greater Los Angeles area. The paralegal position is a full-time position. 

Essential Functions

• Assist Staff Attorneys and clients in completing applications for submission to USCIS, EOIR and other government agencies.
• Assist clients in gathering supporting documents, preparing their declarations, and preparing for hearings/interviews.
• Perform general clerical duties for the legal department on an as needed basis.
• Assist clients in accessing campus resources and services.
• Assist Attorneys in educational and outreach programs on college campuses
• Translate documents from Spanish-to-English (and vice versa).
• Assist in data collection, reporting, and other administrative matters. 
• Assist other departments as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor or managing attorney.

Qualifications

• Experience in immigration law, specifically with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (preferred).
• Verbal and written fluency in Spanish and English languages is required.
• Excellent communication, interviewing, and writing skills is required.
• Self-confidence, ability to interact with government agencies and advocate on behalf of client’s interests is required.
• Sensitivity and desire to work with immigrant families.
• Attention to detail and effective time management skills is required.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of clients and volunteers.
• Demonstrated commitment to mission and goals of CARECEN.
• Demonstrated willingness to work under minimal supervision.

Work Schedule

Office hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. The work schedule for this position is a 35-hour workweek equaling 7-hour workdays.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This job operates in a professional office environment. The position requires the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. Work is performed in a variety of work settings, including CARECEN’s offices, workspace provided by others (including California State Universities and/or community colleges), libraries and other government facilities, among others.  

Travel requirement

Ability to travel to different California State Universities and/or community colleges, CARECEN offices, and other offsite locations. Work may comprise up to 50% of travel time. Mileage reimbursement is available. Ability to drive with a valid CA license and a registered vehicle is required.

Benefits

CARECEN also offers a generous benefits package that has medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Supplemental insurance and a 403(b) retirement savings plan are also available. Paid time off is also provided, as well as 14 holidays.

Application Deadline

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To Apply

Please email a cover letter, resume, and three references to [email protected].   Candidates are urged to be specific regarding level of Spanish proficiency.  Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Applicants must apply directly. CARECEN will not consider applications through legal recruiting/staffing agencies. No inquiries or phone calls from applicants or legal recruiters please.

CARECEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, political affiliation, condition of physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation, in accordance with requirements of Federal and State laws.