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 

A Paralegal on a Direct Representation team in the Detained Adult Program focuses on (i) working with detained people and their attorneys throughout the course of removal proceedings, (ii) assisting with paperwork/ case preparation, and (iii) supporting the program’s provision of services through intakes and administrative tasks such as database maintenance and reporting to funders. 

General Duties and Responsibilities [1]  

Client Services: 

• Supports attorneys representing detained and released clients before immigration courts in Maryland, Virginia and remote locations (virtually), USCIS, ICE and local state courts.  This includes representation in the following types of cases: Bond, Asylum, Withholding of Removal, Protection under the Convention Against Torture, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U-Visas, T-Visas, and Cancellation of Removal.  Support includes assistance in developing client and witness declarations, coordination, drafting and preparing filings, country conditions research, and input in case strategy.  
• Assists in completing intakes and provides follow up after intakes to evaluate eligibility for relief from removal, including legal research, securing criminal records, and obtaining additional information from family and other community members. 
• Conducts detention facility visits in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, for intake and client meetings, and other regions as needed where people are detained.    
• Assists with the staffing of the detention hotline and oversight of volunteers for jail visits, the jail hotline, or translation/interpretation volunteer work, as needed.? 
• Carries out administrative tasks, including database maintenance and reporting to funders.   
• Actively engages in CAIR Coalition’s training and advocacy efforts, as needed. 
• Interfaces with social services staff, where needed, in preparation and execution of post release and social services plans.   

Organizational Services: 

• Ensures the inputting and accuracy of data and case information into shared databases in a timely fashion. 
• Assists other program staff in completion of their workload during high-work/low-bandwidth periods. 
• Takes part in stakeholder relationship activities, including in-person and remote meetings with community groups, governmental bodies and representatives, and other legal service providers. 
• Engages with internal CAIR Coalition committees and working groups to lend a voice to the growth and strategy of the organization.   

[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 supervisory-level attorney such as Senior Attorney, Managing Attorney, or 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 Baltimore, MD or 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 

The employee understands legal concepts at a level to allow for meaningful contribution to client intake, follow-up, and casework with moderate supervision. The employee is working towards self-sufficiency in client-facing legal activities and will demonstrate increasing understanding of how to prepare legal filings. 

Client and Programmatic Proficiency 

The employee adequately presents legal and procedural concepts to detained individuals and clients with moderate supervision, including working with clients and their families/support community throughout the course of a case. The employee will develop trauma-informed interviewing and rapport building skills.  The employee adequately prioritizes time and resources.??  

Administrative 

The employee ensures that all administrative aspects of their position, attendant to the provision of services to clients and program reporting, are carried out without managerial intervention, including intake logging and case tracking, file upkeep, database upkeep, etc. 

Qualifications Required: 

• Written and oral Spanish proficiency required;  
• Driver’s license required, or ability to work with team on transportation to remote locations;  
• Strong candidates will have experience working in the immigrant community, particularly in immigration law, and/or experience working with people in detention.