The Paralegal - (Immigration) will support the work of Legal Services by assisting legal staff in providing high quality pro bono immigration legal services.  We provide direct representation, brief advice and counsel, and referrals. The Paralegal must be interested in working in a health and social services agency – and particularly a legal environment.  In addition, the applicant must have basic cultural competency to work with a diverse staff and clientele, especially those who identify with the LGBTQI community, low-income people, racial minorities, immigrants, and people living with disabilities. 

Essential Job Functions 

The following duties are mandatory requirements of the job: 

• Assist with initial client interview to obtain relevant case information. 
• Assist legal staff with determining case issues and planning case strategy. 
• Investigate, compile and digest facts of the case: 
•  Arrange for outside interpreter if necessary 
• Locate, obtain, and preserve client documentation. 
• Review and organize client documentation. 
• Analyze and summarize all data. 
• Research and analyze legal sources: 
• Locate and summarize applicable statutory, regulatory and case law 
• Draft motions and legal memoranda for attorney review. 
• Prepare appropriate forms regarding client matters before the Departments of Homeland Security, State and Justice. 
• Draft correspondence to clients, courts, attorneys, etc. 
• Coordinate with client to assemble documentation, complete questionnaires and forms, review case status, etc. 
• Develop, maintain and administer tickler system, database, master dockets and calendars. 
• Review file on a regular basis, consult with attorney and prepare regular status reports to client. 
• Consult with attorney and/or DOJ Accredited Rep(s) to determine if client is eligible to naturalize. 
• Assist client in obtaining necessary documentation for application. 
• Prepare and file application with USCIS. 
• Prepare client for interview. 
• Must be willing to travel within New York City and occasionally work evenings and weekends for special events. 
• Must attend and participate in Immigrant Justice Corp convening meetings. 

Other Responsibilities 

The following duties are to be performed as assigned by the supervisor: 

• Assists with special projects and performs other related duties as assigned. 
• Assists with training support staff and volunteers as necessary. 
• Attends relevant department and agency meetings. 

Education and Certification 

• Bachelor’s degree required 
• Paralegal certification required  
• Combination of education and experience in the field 

Special Skills and Knowledge 

In addition to the above-listed job responsibilities and educational requirements, the ideal candidate for this position possesses most or all of the following: 

• Prior internship, volunteer experience, or coursework related to immigration law or legal services.  
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations, community-based service providers, or legal clinics serving vulnerable populations.  
• Be open/accepting of people and their lifestyles and life situations. 
• Excellent written and interpersonal skills; ability to effectively interact with clients and staff. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently. 
• Bilingual in English and Spanish. 

Technical Skills 

The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following technical competencies to effectively manage legal documentation, reporting, and service delivery:Microsoft Office and Excel Proficiency  

Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including:  

• Data tracking and analysis for case management and program performance.
• Creating and maintaining spreadsheets to monitor client progress and service deliverables.
• Using formulas, pivot tables, and data validation tools to ensure documentation accuracy.

Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including:  

• Outlook for email communications, calendar coordination, and client scheduling.
• Word for drafting legal documentation, formal correspondence, and grant-related reporting.
• PowerPoint for preparing outreach, training, or public education presentations.

Case Management Systems and Data Entry  

• Experience using electronic case management or client documentation systems such as Clio, TREAT, AWARDS, AIRS, eCOMPAS, or similar platforms.

Immigration Case Tracking Systems  

• Familiarity with or ability to learn immigration-related case tracking tools and online government portals, including.
• USCIS Case Status Online.
• EOIR (ECAS/Portal) systems.
• DHS or Department of State case status tools.
• Ability to retrieve and document case updates and government communications to support legal case preparation.

Documentation, Compliance, and Confidentiality  

• Strong documentation practices to maintain accurate case records, service notes, and supporting documentation.
• Ability to follow established protocols related to client confidentiality, HIPAA requirements, and organizational documentation standards.? 
• Attention to detail in maintaining records that support program reporting, compliance requirements, and audit readiness.

Work Environment & Schedule  

This is a hybrid position that includes a mix of on-site and remote responsibilities: 

• Work schedule and on-site presence will be determined based on program needs and supervisor discretion.
• Regular on-site presence is required for client appointments, team collaboration, case discussions, and internal meetings. 
• Remote work may be permitted for legal research, documentation, case preparation, and administrative responsibilities when appropriate.
• Occasional travel within New York City may be required for court appearances, legal proceedings, outreach activities, or professional development opportunities.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or modified hours may be required to support client needs, outreach activities, or program deadlines.
• Participation in the annual AIDS Walk New York event is mandatory for all GMHC staff.

Physical Demands  

While carrying out the responsibilities of this role:

• The position is primarily office-based and sedentary, involving extended periods of computer use, phone communication, and virtual conferencing.
• The staff member must be able to navigate a standard office environment and attend in-person meetings, court dates, or off-site events as needed.
• This role includes direct interaction with clients who may be experiencing medical or emotional vulnerability, requiring a high level of empathy, patience, and emotional resilience to provide trauma-informed, client-centered legal support.
• GMHC supports a racial and gender-diverse environment which contributes to a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Working at GMHC requires a demonstrated awareness of communities that we serve, and we seek candidates