Reports to
Directing Attorney 

FLSA Status

Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Union position)

One Year Contract

Application Deadline  

Until Filled 

Salary 

$22.08 - $32.79 per hour

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

For over 50 years, CCLS has been representing and advocating for low-income individuals in Merced, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Fresno, Tulare, and Kings Counties. With more than 90 employees, CCLS works to provide high quality, no-cost civil legal services to low-income individuals, families, and communities—improving the wellbeing of our Valley through systems-changing advocacy, client education, and legal work that meets individual clients’ immediate needs. We also work closely with agencies and community organizations that share our commitment to support our clients in being their own agents of change. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Immigration Paralegal will work with the Family/Immigration Team to provide high quality legal services, interview clients, assess and investigate facts in a variety of cases. The Paralegal will provide consultation, advocacy, education and other services in immigration matters that include victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault with a focus on U-Visas, T-Visas, SIJS, VAWA Self-Petitions, and naturalization applications consistent with CCLS program priorities. In addition, the Paralegal will develop and maintain relationships with client groups and community-based service providers and work with them to identify community service opportunities.

DUTIES

• Interview, assist and otherwise provide high quality services to immigration clients consistent with CCLS program priorities and funder restrictions;
• Evaluate client eligibility for various immigration remedies, with a focus on U-Visas, T-Visas, SIJS, VAWA Self-Petitions, and naturalization applications;
• Prepare documents necessary to provide proper level of service to immigration clients in a manner consistent with CCLS program priorities and funder restrictions;
• Attend USCIS interviews as appropriate with clients;
• Work with other CCLS advocates to ensure the delivery of high-quality legal services;
• Participate in weekly CCLS case review meetings;
• Identify and analyze systemic issues through individual casework, review of CCLS data and participation in local, state, and national networks of legal services advocates;
• Interface with other CCLS staff as well as local, state and national advocates on issues of mutual interest;
• Participate with client groups and community-based service providers;
• Participate in or conduct legal workshops, community outreach and education events;
• Conduct presentations to the community and partner organizations or agencies;
• Carry out CCLS policies and procedures;
• Attend trainings and keep abreast of changes in the law;
• Provide interpretation and/or translation services; 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in providing direct services to immigrant communities;
• Previous, current or willingness to seek Department of Justice accreditation representation required;
• Bilingual Spanish fluency (written and spoken) is required
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in the needs and legal rights of low-income people and elderly or disabled persons;
• Ability to follow case review policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of the principles and procedures of administrative agencies, and consumer grievance systems;
• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, immigration law and process; 
• Ability to conduct client interviews, investigations, legal research, analytical reasoning ability, eligibility evaluation, case review and problem solving;
• Superior interpersonal, oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to work closely with others in a small unit setting: a commitment to teamwork is essential; 
• Ability to provide leadership within a culturally diverse environment; must maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels and with the public;
• Competency/experience with PC systems and standard software (Microsoft Office, Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other relevant databases);
• Flexibility to work some nights and weekends as needed;
• Reliable transportation, a valid CA Drivers’ License with appropriate car insurance.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education, training and experience sufficient to meet the requirements of Business & Professions Code § 6450, including documentation of at least one of the following:

• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association;
• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program, or a degree from a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester (or equivalent) units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education;
• A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks;
• A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING

Central California Legal Services, a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, is one where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feels valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all our departments, programs, and worksites. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

We are committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for legal aid organizations and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.