Paralegal - Immigrant Children’s Program - Church World Service

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 Immigrant Children’s Program Paralegal is to provide legal support to the CWS Indianapolis Immigrant Children’s Program and assist attorneys and DOJ Accredited Representatives in providing representation and follow-up services to children in ORR custody and to other immigrants.   

 

Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative support to the CWS Indianapolis Immigrant Children’s Program team, including communicating with clients, scheduling appointments, entering data in case management systems, compiling Know Your Rights materials, and creating and organizing files;
• Meet with clients to gather initial information and assist attorneys and DOJ Accredited Representatives in preparing applications for various immigration benefits with special focus on children and other vulnerable populations;
• Perform follow up with clients, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the immigration courts, ORR shelter staff, and other key players;
• Prepare motions and pleadings for filing with the immigration courts;
• Maintain accuracy in client case files and case logs; update attorneys and DOJ Accredited Representatives on case status;
• Complete referrals of released youth to legal service providers around the country per grant requirements;
• Maintain detailed tracking information of each child who enters the shelter;
• Conduct legal research;
• Perform other duties as requested.

Qualifications:

Education: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor of Arts is strongly preferred.

 

Experience: 

• Two years of work or volunteer experience with asylum seekers, refugees, asylees, and other immigrants. 
• At least one year (or two academic semesters) of experience as a paralegal or intern in a law office or non-profit legal services environment is preferred. 

 

Other Skills:

 

• The successful candidate must be highly detail oriented and possess superior organizational and task management abilities.  Respect for client confidentiality.  Strong computer literacy, with knowledge of word processing and database applications, and ability to use standard office equipment in performing varied activities.  Superior written and verbal communication skills.  
• Bilingual skills in Spanish are required for this position.

 

 

Competencies:

Communications:  Able to communicate thoroughly and with self-confidence specific information relating to program or department. Communicate a positive, professional image of CWS, demonstrating respect, empathy and integrity.  Ask appropriate questions in seeking explanations needed to perform job.   Support “transparency of information” by sharing information and ideas with others to support effective performance.  Understand staff roles and procedures and prepare standard reports to track job progress or activities.  Promote sharing of relevant information among staff and with stakeholders.  Recognize the particular needs of partners and use established channels to respond to those needs.  Understand and be able to use appropriate technology to communicate with others inside and outside CWS.  Respect and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information within parameters defined by supervisor and/or CWS policy.

 

Constituent Relationships:  Understand who stakeholders are and be responsive to their needs. Facilitate interactions and serve as a resource in relations with stakeholders.  Recognize and be sensitive to issues of concern to stakeholders.  Recognize and be sensitive to cultural, ethnic and religious issues.

 

Job Knowledge:  Know the history of CWS and its place among non-governmental organizations (faith-based, ecumenical, secular, relief and development). Know a broad range of information regarding specific program or department and use that knowledge to perform effectively and independently.  Understand how to work multiculturally with sensitivity and integrity. Able to use and willing to expand learning of applications or technology to perform job duties.  Maintain and improve the skills and knowledge needed to be effective in performing job responsibilities. Follow CWS policies and procedures in carrying out work activities.  Interpret CWS’s policies and procedures for staff and stakeholders, keeping the “human” side in sight.

 

Leadership: Accept accountability for assigned activities and adapt work style to perform independently or within a team.  Model behaviors consonant with the mission and values of CWS in work activities and relationships.  Demonstrate sound judgment in performing all duties. Facilitate the use of skills and resources within CWS.  Contribute ideas for implementing CWS’s vision and strategic plan.

 

Problem Solving:  Identify problems in procedures that affect program work.  Recommend changes in systems or procedures to address them, then implement approved changes. Understand and apply knowledge of the context in which CWS works, including global trends, issues, and the ecumenical movement.  Share results of problem solving experiences with others.  Remain flexible in responding to CWS priorities.

 

Program Planning and Management: Anticipate work flow and take proactive steps to balance work priorities.   Understand the desired outcome of assigned work and how it supports CWS’s work.  Gather, analyze and make use of information and resources necessary to produce work.  Successfully balance multiple activities, in support of program or departmental goals.  Manage contacts with internal and external stakeholders to ensure flow of information and coordination of efforts. Contribute ideas to effective implement program plans and activities.  Keep others informed of work progress and any problems encountered.  Take initiative and complete independent work projects.  Understand organizational priorities and respect time sensitivity of work performance.  Assist others to complete priority work, or step in to handle work in their absence.

 

Resource Building and Stewardship:  Recognize resource building potential in all interactions and be responsive and professional in providing information.  Promote CWS’s mission, programs and services with donors and stakeholders to assure continued support.  Use financial and material resources provided by CWS to their best advantage, including business equipment and supplies.  Demonstrate concern for natural resources in carrying out work activities.  Make the most of own time and resources to maximize stewardship to CWS.  Demonstrate respect for one another in relationships with staff, supervisors and managers.  Prepare reports on program status relative to budget and finances.

 

Teamwork:   Understand what a team is and what it does.  Demonstrate a willingness to work on a team.  Understand own role on the team and how it fits in to the overall results to be produced.  Contribute skills, knowledge and ideas to team discussion and work.  Accept accountability for assignments made within the team and for producing results on time.  Participate in identifying and establishing work needs and time lines for completion.  Network with other teams to discuss activities.  Demonstrate awareness of what other teams do and how their work affects own team.   Recognize and respect the importance of work performed by colleagues.  Understand organizational priorities and be willing to set aside own tasks to assist others to complete high priority tasks.  Prepare reports about team activities and progress in achieving results.

 

Benefits :CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:    - 403 (b) Retirement Plan                                               - Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance                                                  - Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years)  - 14 Official Holidays  - 12 Sick Days Off (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