RIS Paralegal at Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. – Silver Spring, Maryland

POSITION: Paralegal

REPORTS TO: Staff Attorney

SECTION: Religious Immigration Services

STATUS: Exempt, Bargaining

SALARY: $60,000 – $65,000

LOCATION: Hybrid, Silver Spring, MD

Summary Description:The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), a nonprofit legal services organization, has an immediate full-time opening for a Paralegal. This position performs administrative support and coordination for attorneys in the Religious Immigration Services (RIS) Section. The main functions include administrative support to the assigned Staff Attorneys, performing all administrative functions as directed, primarily related to the attorney’s caseload and case preparation. The paralegal must be extremely organized and meticulous.

The candidate will work alongside a team of experienced immigration attorneys and professionals. Will prepare and file petitions using LawLogix. Experience in preparing immigration petitions, applications, and visas is essential. The candidate should have 1 to 3 years of experience with a focus on employment-based immigration law. Must have knowledge of how to prepare, and file petitions, and case management experience using an immigration case management database system, preferably LawLogix. Experience with data entry, MS word, and MS excel also required.

Primary Responsibilities:

Assist the attorney with the preparation of religious worker cases to be filed with USCIS, the Department of State, or the Administrative Appeals Office

Assist the attorney with the management of client cases and files

Assist the attorney with updating and maintaining client data, including “immigration” information, in Case Management Software (CMS)

Assist with the preparation of petitions, applications, sponsor letters, instructions letters, etc. and compile exhibits and other supporting documentary evidence in a timely manner for attorney review

Communicate with clients to obtain information and necessary documentation for case preparation

Ensure proper organization and filing of client documents after case is prepared per attorney instructions

Send completed case work to clients and file cases with USCIS and U.S. Consulates per attorney instructions

Review client information in CMS when new client cases are retained

Assist attorney with beginning new cases and processes in CMS

Notify clients of case processing and updates per attorney instructions

Ensure proper recordkeeping of immigration documents in client files

Keep attorney fully informed of client communications and updates

Act as a member of the Section’s convening team

Perform all administrative duties as required by the attorney, primarily related to his/her caseload and case preparation

Protect client's confidential information

Required to come to the office to process mail (USCIS Notices) and finalized packets.

Willing to understand, respect and contribute to CLINIC’s vision, values, and belief

Fulfill CLINIC’s expectations that all staff:

Serve with integrity

Develop innovative solutions

Promote learning – for themselves, for their colleagues, and for our network

Cultivate constructive relationships

Model stewardship

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Associate’s degree or Bachelors preferred

One to three years of administrative or legal work experience

One to three years of immigration law experience

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Proven data management experience

Experience using online Case Management Software

Able to successfully handle problems and challenges while exercising tact and courtesy

Experience performing internet research

Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines

Attention to detail and adherence to directions

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Strong internal and external relationship building and service skills

Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

Work Environment:

This position may require extended periods of standing, sitting, as well as some repetitive movements, bending and repetitive lifting of significant weight.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key components and primary responsibilities.

The work location is currently a combination of remote and in-office positions.

The work you will do is covered by a collective employment agreement between Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. "CLINIC" and the Nonprofit Professional Employees' Union "NPEU" Local 70.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, retirement plan, and generous leave benefits. CLINIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer; women, minorities, and immigrants are encouraged to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Commitment

CLINIC considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family responsibilities, religion, age, disability, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. CLINIC also provides “reasonable accommodations” to qualified individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. All interested individuals, regardless of background, are encouraged to apply.

We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique.

APPLICATION: To be considered for the position, please submit both a RESUME and COVER LETTER.

The responsibilities listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities and duties required of staff members. The job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and non-essential job functions are subject to modification.