Job Summary/General Purpose of Job

Assisting with the education and orientation of immigrants and asylum seekers facing removal as part of the Family Group Legal Orientation Program and providing general support of the ABA Commission on Immigration Pro Bono Program.

 

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)

Provides pro se legal assistance as part of the Family Group Legal Orientation Program at the San Diego Immigration Court, under the supervision of an attorney, and as coordinated with Senior Paralegal.

Assists with referral of clients to pro bono counsel as directed. Conducts and assists with coordination and tracking of other legal services as necessary.  Communicates with volunteers regarding case placement and updates.

Assists with volunteer recruitment, training, and engagement efforts.  Assists with management of online pro bono platform.  Provides support with creation and distribution of monthly online newsletter and social media outreach to promote events and recruit volunteers.

Oversees client case files and monitors case activities and maintains the data integrity of case management systems.

Accesses, processes, and ensures the confidentiality and control of client information.

Answers phone calls and provides information regarding the caller’s needs.

Performs other duties as related to the Commission’s pro bono program as required.

 

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

Possession of an Associate’s degree (A.A.) from an accredited U.S. institution in paralegal studies, criminal justice, political science or related field, or two years’ experience as a paralegal.

Fluent in English and Spanish or Creole in written and spoken forms.

Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office products.

Able to communicate professionally with program participants, clients, volunteers, government attorneys, court staff, and stakeholders.

Have reliable transportation to travel to off-site work locations.

Must be insurable and have an acceptable driving record.

This position will require the ability to enter detention facilities.

 

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

Bachelor’s (B.A.) degree in paralegal studies, criminal justice, political science or related field, and 1 year’s work experience as a paralegal.

Current certificate of completion of an ABA-approved paralegal program.

Prior work experience with immigrants or asylum seekers, or prior work experience in a pro se legal assistance program (including court-sponsored legal self-help programs).

Prior volunteer, community, or work experience regarding immigration or asylum.

Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration or asylum.

The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association please call 312-988-5188.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, IL, IN, DC, MD, VA, and TX.  Residency requirements may apply. 

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