Paralegal - Immigrants & Workers' Rights; Immigration - Legal Aid Chicago

Position

Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time paralegal in our Immigrants and Workers’ Rights Practice Group (IWR). IWR includes the areas of employment, immigration, migrant farm worker, and human trafficking law. IWR’s four teams work both independently and in an interdisciplinary manner when these areas of law intersect. This paralegal position will be on the immigration team. This position will involve providing outreach, screening, information, advice and referrals to immigrants in Illinois, and will work directly on client applications for benefits with USCIS.

The paralegal will report to a supervising attorney.

Legal Aid Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. Our office, located in downtown Chicago at 200 N. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible and has convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. This position will require occasional travel to outreach activities, primarily located within the city limits.

• Interview clients and conduct initial fact gathering
• Provide advice and referrals to individuals
• Provide follow-up with clients about their cases
• Input client data into agency database
• Carry out work in a client-centered and trauma-informed manner
• Participate in weekly team meetings to present new cases and discuss team development
• Assist attorneys with administrative tasks
• Work collaboratively with supervisory attorneys and staff attorneys
• Maintain knowledge of the case acceptance criteria of IWR and other Legal Aid Chicago practice groups to facilitate appropriate internal referrals
• Attend training and maintain up-to-date knowledge on relevant issues
• Maintain case files and accurate case notes and timekeeping in electronic case management system
• Track data related to grants and assist with grant reporting, as appropriate and applicable
• Partner and collaborate with other Legal Aid Chicago staff, as well as staff from partner agencies
• Maintain proficiency with equipment and technology necessary to perform the duties of the position
• Other duties as determined by the Supervising Attorney or Director

• Strong oral and written communication skills, highly developed organizational skills, great client counseling skills and genuine desire to interact with clients
• The successful applicant will be collegial and demonstrate a commitment to and experience with our client communities and/or people living in poverty, and applicants are encouraged to share that experience in their cover letter
• The applicant's personal background, experience, or professional background should reflect an ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations with clients, co-workers and the community we serve
• Experience with legal case software is a plus
• Fluency in Spanish is a requirement
• Applicants must have the ability to work well under pressure, independently and as part of a team

This position is part of the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. The Collective Bargaining Agreement sets employment terms and compensation is determined by the CBA salary scale, based on paid experience.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $45,760-$50,738, which reflects 0-10 years of paid, credited experience.

Legal Aid Chicago Offers a Comprehensive Benefits Package, Including

• Bilingual Paralegals are eligible for an additional stipend
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment
• Time Off: 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment
• 19 paid holidays, including four (4) floating holidays
• Twelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the salary after six months of employment
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution after one year of employment
• $50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no cost
• Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost
• Monthly internet reimbursement
• Legal Aid Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program