Job Title: Paralegal   

Classification & FLSA Status: Full time | Non-Exempt 

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

Department: Legal Department | Deportation Defense Unit 

Reports to: Managing Attorney 

Location: Hybrid - Telecommute and CARECEN’s Los Angeles office. 

Job Summary: The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) seeks a bilingual paralegal to support attorneys representing detained individuals, released individuals, and unaccompanied minors in their removal proceedings. The paralegal position is a full-time position based in CARECEN’s Los Angeles Office.   

Job Responsibilities/Essential Functions 

• Assist clients in gathering supporting documents, preparing their declarations, and preparing for hearings/interviews. 
• Assist clients in preparing motions and applications before the Executive Office of 
• Immigration Review and other immigration-related forms. 
• Assist clients in accessing services, including mental health and medical services. 
• Assist Staff Attorneys with data reporting requirements and other administrative matters. 

• Translate documents from Spanish-to-English (and vice versa). 
• Assist in preparing and filing documents with the Immigration Court and USCIS, including applications for adjustment of status for eligible unaccompanied minor clients.  
• Assist other departments as needed. 
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor or managing attorney.  

Required Skills/Qualifications 

• Experience in immigration law (preferred) 
• Verbal and written fluency in Spanish and English languages required 
• Excellent communication, interviewing, and writing skills required 
• Self-confidence, ability to interact with government agencies and advocate on behalf of client’s interests required 

• Sensitivity and desire to work with low-income, immigrant families 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  
• Demonstrated willingness to work under minimal supervision 

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 Lilit Melkonyan 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.