Title: Paralegal
Full Time, Non-Exempt
Reports to: Removal Defense Supervising Attorney
Location: Oakland Office
The Immigration Institute of the Bay Area was founded in 1918, and its mission is to welcome, educate and serve immigrants, refugees and their families as they join and contribute to the community. IIBA provides immigration legal services, English and civic education, and other services throughout the Bay Area, as well as through its collaborative efforts with local and regional service providers. IIBA offers a team-oriented, collegial and collaborative work environment. We pride ourselves on providing excellent service to our clients, and we know our organization runs on the hard work and dedication of our passionate employees.
At IIBA, we have a clear vision: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and to do their best work. IIBA’s dedication to promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion is reflected in the work that we do. We are committed to equity and believe deeply in the value of diversity of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other wonderful characteristics that make us human.
Job Summary:
Support IIBA’s mission by providing quality immigration-specific paralegal services for IIBA’s removal defense program in Alameda County, under the supervision of the Removal Defense Supervising Attorney.
Essential Functions:
- Case Management: Assist with legal consultations and immigration forms completion and document preparation, under the supervision of attorneys and DOJ Accredited Representatives. Maintain paper and electronic case files.
- Pro se asylum assistance: Assist in the development and expansion of one-on-one services and group clinics where individuals can convene to prepare pro se asylum application materials and subsequent work permit applications, and other collateral services.
- Outreach and Group Processing: Assist in the organization and implementation of workshops, clinics, outreach activities and information sessions for immigrants and social service agencies serving immigrants. Outreach and workshops require occasional evening and weekend events.
- Coordination with other organizations: Help streamline and coordinate asylum intake and referral processes with other organizations to better serve asylum seekers.
- Translation: Responsible for Spanish/English translations.
- Maintain Legal Best Practices: Comply with IIBA’s policies, procedures, protocols, and best practices for non-profit immigration law practice, including legal ramifications, fee collection, maintenance of client files and data for reporting requirements. Participate in regular peer review meetings and legal trainings.
- Client Notification: Assisting with ongoing client communications in person, on phone, and by mail.
- Clerical: copying, filing, mailing, fee collection, scheduling appointments.
- All other duties: Perform all other duties as needed and/or as directed by supervisor.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
- Legal research and writing skills.
- Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail for forms completion.
- Good customer service and public speaking skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple deadlines effectively.
- Ability to act independently and exercise sound judgment.
- Dedication to providing high quality legal assistance and sensitivity to the needs of the low-income, culturally diverse newcomer community.
- Proficiency in a Windows/PC environment, and ability to quickly learn IIBA’s immigration law software and database.
Qualifications:
Education: AA, BA/BS, or a Paralegal certificate.
Work Experience: Prefer a minimum of 2 years of previous administrative experience (legal experience preferred).
Language: Ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish REQUIRED.
Salary:
The salary range for this position is $53,000– $63,000. If you are hired at IIBA, your compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, education, experience, and geographic location. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. We also offer a generous benefits package – additional information below.
IIBA offers a generous cafeteria-style benefits package, elements of which include, but are not limited to:
- Employer matching 403(B) retirement plan: up to 5% employer contribution
- Insurance: Health, dental, life, vision, chiropractic & acupuncture. Medical and dependent care pre-tax reimbursement accounts.
- Transportation reimbursement account.
- Vacation: two (2) weeks of accrued vacation per year with an increase each year.
- Sick Leave including paid family sick time
- Holidays: 15 paid Holidays per year
- Paid Parental Leave
Note: New employees are required to work in the office 4 days a week for the first three months of their employment with IIBA. This period is crucial for onboarding, training, and integration into IIBA’s culture. After the initial three-month period, new employees may be eligible to transition to a hybrid work schedule, subject to approval by their supervisor, the needs of the office, and in accordance with IIBA policies.
Applicants for employment in the United States must have work authorization that does not currently or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.
To apply: Send cover letter and resume to iibayareahire@iibayarea.org
Please include the title of the job in the subject line.
For more information on IIBA, see our website: www.iibayarea.org. The position opened until filled.
This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. Because of a need to remain responsive to the needs of our clients and our Agency’s operations, responsibilities may be modified at any time.
IIBA is a non-profit, non-discriminatory service organization and employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability. People receiving services in our programs are entitled to freedom from harassment and retaliation and reasonable accommodation for qualified disabilities