Job Title: Paralegal

Classification & FLSA Status: Full time | Non-Exempt

Pay Range: $20.00 - $24.00 hourly, depending on experience

Department: Legal Department | Survivors of Violence Unit

Reports to: Supervising Attorney

Location: Telecommute currently offered, with transition to CARECEN’s Los Angeles office.

Job Summary: The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) is seeking to hire one full-time, bilingual paralegal to provide legal services within CARECEN’s Survivors of Violence Unit in the CARECEN Los Angeles Office.

Job Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Assist in conducting intakes for potential clients as needed.
• Assist in completing applications for submission to USCIS including U/T Visas, VAWA, Adjustment of Status, I-929 petitions, consular processing, and employment authorization applications among others.
• Assist clients in gathering supporting documents and preparing legal declarations.
• Assist with client background checks as needed and other records requests including FOIAs.
• Provide clients with case updates.
• Provide reception services as needed.
• Perform general clerical duties for the legal department on an as needed basis.
• Assist clients in accessing services, including mental health and medical services.
• Translate documents from Spanish-to-English (and vice versa).
• Interpret at interviews before USCIS as needed.
• Assist in other administrative matters.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor or managing attorney.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• Experience in immigration law (preferred)
• Knowledge and Experience in VAWA and U visa or experience working with survivors of violence (preferred)
• Verbal and written fluency in Spanish and English languages required
• Excellent communication, interviewing, and writing skills required
• Sensitivity and desire to work with immigrant families including survivors of violence required
• Attention to detail and effective time management skills strongly preferred
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of clients and volunteers
• Demonstrated commitment to mission and goals of CARECEN

Classification & Work Schedule:

The position is a full-time non-exempt (hourly) position. The normal workweek for this full-time non-exempt (hourly) position is 35 hours. The office hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm; Monday to Friday. The workdays are 7 hours long. The position is part of the bargaining unit represented by the union.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

This position operates in a professional office environment. The position requires the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. Telecommute is currently offered, with transition to in person work at the CARECEN San Bernardino office.

Travel Requirement:

Ability to travel to CARECEN offices, and other off-site locations as needed. Mileage reimbursement is available. Ability to drive with a valid CA license and a registered vehicle is preferred.

Benefits:

CARECEN offers a generous health insurance package that has medical, vision, dental, life insurance and Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Supplemental insurance and a 403(b) retirement savings plan are also available. Paid time off is also provided along with 11 paid holidays.

Application Deadline :

Candidates encouraged to apply immediately.

To Apply:

Please email a cover letter, resume, and three references to Albanydia Amezquita Verdugo at [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.