Who We Are 

The Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is the only non-profit organization in the Washington, D.C. area that is exclusively focused on providing legal assistance to adult and child immigrants detained by the government in the Capital Region.  

The Detained Adult Program (DAP) works with hundreds of adults who are detained by ICE each year, providing information, support, and legal representation. We provide trauma-sensitive, person-centered services, and deeply value the autonomy of the people we work with in detention as they navigate the fundamentally inhumane immigration system. 

Our Work Environment 

CAIR Coalition’s Detained Adult Program is a highly collaborative work environment. Each team lead works directly with a focused team, but all colleagues are interconnected through, for example, case workshops or staff-run committees. 

DAP staff is a source of expertise in the highly complex and ever-changing immigration system. They have persisted through administration changes, policy shifts, and attacks on the rights and freedoms of immigrants through project-focused cohorts that arise to address challenges or to brainstorm and implement affirmative strategies. 

We center impacted people in our advocacy and media. We embrace the movement in our work while also staying focused on the practicalities we trained for, as well as where we are most useful in this movement. We grow our reach and skill set when resources permit and there is passion. We do not limit our push or dreams for this world based on the limits we know but try to imagine how to navigate around them. 

We value our brain trust and are constantly finding ways to ensure that we maintain and grow, in ways that acknowledge those with expertise but also set new advocates for success. 

Position Summary 

The Direct Representation Paralegal in the LOP Liaison role will serve as the liaison between the Legal Orientation Program (LOP) and the Direct Representation Program for individuals detained in LOP Facilities [1] who are eligible for representation under one of our direct rep contracts. [2] Approximately 50% of the role will be dedicated to the LOP-facing and systems organization tasks, while the other 50% will resemble the traditional Direct Representation Paralegal role.   

[1] The Detained Adults’ Program (DAP) currently serves Farmville Detention Center in Farmville, VA and Caroline Detention Facility in Bowling Greene, VA under the LOP contract.  

[2]  DAP’s current representation contracts serve detained individuals who are residents of Maryland and DC and individuals found to be incompetent under the National Qualified Representative Program (NQRP). The Direct Rep Program also supports the non-contract representation of certain individuals eligible for our services under various fellowships.   

General Duties and Responsibilities [1]  

LOP Liaison Responsibilities (Approximately 50%):  

• Create and maintain systems for LOP follow-ups identified as potentially eligible for direct representation contract services, and liaise with intaking direct rep paralegals to ensure proper placement on direct rep pipeline;  
• Create and maintain systems that ensure the efficient and prompt transition of in-house support from LOP & intaking paralegals to the Direct Rep Point of Contact when a case assignment is made;  
• Be a source of knowledge for LOP regarding nuances of the direct rep program, and vise-versa;  
• Regularly attend LOP Intake Review;  
• Assist on LOP trips and take on LOP follow-ups on an as-needed basis.  

Direct Representation Responsibilities (Approximately 50%):  

• Support attorneys representing detained and released clients in various immigration court and administrative proceedings, including bond; asylum, withholding of removal and protection under the Convention Against Torture; cancellation and waivers; EADs; and others.  
• Assist with client and witness declarations, case preparation, drafting filings, and country conditions research;  
• Conduct detention facility visits and client meetings in multiple locations as needed;  
• Support the detention hotline by providing coverage for hotline shifts on a rolling basis;  
• Engage in administrative tasks, such as database maintenance and reporting to funders;  
• Contribute to CAIR Coalition's training and advocacy efforts as required;  
• Collaborate with social services staff to prepare and execute post-release and social services plans.  

Other Responsibilities: 

• Communicate coverage needs to team and provider coverage to others during their periods of low bandwidth;   
• Actively participate in the design and growth of the paralegal program through the creation of best practices, feedback solicitation, and staff development;  
• Provide support in onboarding or mentoring junior staff, including seasonal supervision of undergraduate interns dependent upon departmental needs;  
• Provide support on departmental administrative tasks and needs. 

[1] This list is illustrative and not intended to be a complete classification of all job functions or tasks. 

Additional Role-Specific Details:  

Position Type 

Full-time, non-exempt 

Reports To 

Designated Managing Paralegal  

Hiring Timeline 

Applications will be accepted and offers made on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  

Salary [2] 

$47,500-$54,500  

[2] In 2018 CAIR Coalition implemented a compensation framework to be more straightforward, transparent, and provide assurance of internal equity. The compensation model we use is based on an individual's position and years of relevant work experience to avoid salary discrepancies and to reduce the risk of racial, gender, or other forms of bias affecting a candidate's salary. 

Location and/or Travel Requirements 

This position will be based at our Washington, DC office. Due to business related travel expectations, it is recommended candidates live within 30-miles of their assigned primary office.   

Telework 

CAIR Coalition operates a hybrid work environment. Most staff are required to work at least one day per week in-office, but some roles require more office/on-site attendance or travel. 

COVID-19 Vaccination:  

All employees are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. To be fully vaccinated means having completed the full dosages required for the type of vaccine obtained as designated by the CDC. If boosters are subsequently recommended by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) then employees will be required to receive the booster within thirty (30) days of their eligibility to access the boosters. 

Benefits  

CAIR Coalition’s benefits package includes:  

• Free gym access located in Washington, D.C or Baltimore, MD (dependent on employee’s primary office) 
• Flexible working hours after successful completion of trainings and with approval of supervisor 
• Pre-tax commuter benefits for those living in the DMV 
• Subsidized health, dental insurance, and vision insurance (CAIR Coalition pays a very high rate of the insurance package, for which we can provide additional information) 
• An annual data reimbursement of $300 
• life insurance valued at $50,000, as well as long and short term disability 
• the option to set up a Flexible Spending Account  
• the option to set up a 403(b) account (the equivalent of a 401(k) account for non-profits) which the organization has the option, for all employees on an annual basis, to match at a certain percentage after one year of continuous employment 

Paid time off includes:  

• 23 personal days per calendar year 
• Up to 20 days of sick time per calendar year 
• 7 hours of volunteer time off 
• Federal holidays 
• Winter break closure 
• 12 weeks of parental leave  

At CAIR Coalition, we embrace the fact that talented individuals come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We believe that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to our success. CAIR Coalition values your unique perspectives, skills, and potential, and we are committed to providing equal opportunities for growth and development. If you are passionate about CAIR Coalition's mission and are excited to contribute your talents to our team, we encourage you to submit your application.  Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are a candidate with a disability and require accommodations to apply for this position, please contact us at HR@caircoalition.org.       

EEO Statement 

Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates.  CAIR Coalition prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. CAIR Coalition conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. 

Our Anti-Racism Statement: 

https://www.caircoalition.org/cair-coalitions-statement-becoming-anti-racist-organization 

How to Apply:?  

Submit your resume, a cover letter that explains your interest in this role, and a writing sample with your Paylocity application.

 Competencies Required: 

• Legal Proficiency: Have a strong understanding of legal concepts for client intake and casework in both the LOP and Direct Representation programs. 
• Client Proficiency: Effectively communicate legal and procedural concepts to clients with empathy and appropriately prioritize tasks and resources.  
• Administrative: Execute administrative tasks independently, including intake logging and database management. 

Qualifications Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience;  
• Demonstrated interest in immigrants’ rights;  
• Ability to multi-task, work in a fast-paced environment, and triage client emergencies;   
• Ability to work well independently with limited supervision;   
• Availability to work occasional weekend/evening hours to accommodate client needs within expected 35-40 hour workweek or during authorized overtime hours;   
• Proficiency in Spanish and valid driver’s license;   
• Strong preference for candidates with experience in immigration law or working with individuals in detention.  
• Preference for applicants with proficiency in Office 365 and LegalServer.