What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paralegal position at University Settlement?
Overview: The Door is an unparalleled model for youth development, offering a comprehensive range of integrated services within a single site for nearly 11,000 New York City youth each year. Our mission is to empower young adults to reach their full potential by providing comprehensive youth development services in a diverse and caring environment. At The Door, youth can access health care and education, mental health counseling and crisis assistance, legal assistance, college preparation services, career development, housing supports, arts, sports and recreational activities, and nutritious meals – all for free and under one roof. By providing participants with our suite of integrated services, we seek to provide any motivated young person with the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to successfully transition to adulthood.
The Door’s Legal Services Center provides civil legal services to young people in matters such as immigration, public benefits, housing and family law. We are a team of over forty attorneys, paralegals, social workers and support staff. For more than twenty years, the Center has been at the forefront of representing undocumented children and youth. We represent undocumented youth in a range of immigration matters, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Asylum, and U and T Visas. We represent clients in affirmative applications, defend clients in removal proceedings and work with unaccompanied minors detained in federal custody.
The paralegal will assist attorneys in liaising with clients and preparing applications for immigration benefits. The paralegal will also work closely with the Managing Attorney and Director of Legal Services on grant management and compliance.
Responsibilities
- Screen clients for eligibility for immigration relief
- Assist attorneys with immigration applications
- Provide interpretation services to attorneys and other service providers at The Door
- Manage complex government and foundation grants
- Maintain databases and monitor grant compliance
- Report to funders on grant progress
- Prepare for and manage audits
- Manage volunteers and undergraduate interns
- Perform additional functions and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 1 year of paralegal or advocacy experience
- Experience working with youth and/or immigrant populations preferred
- Knowledge of and ability to apply positive youth development principles to working with young people
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Excellent organizational, time management and record keeping skills
- Full professional proficiency in Spanish required
Work Schedule: Full time, Monday - Friday, 35 hours a week
In order to be considered for this position all applicants must submit a cover letter and resume when applying.
COVID -19 POLICY
The Door and Broome Street Academy follow the CDC and NYS recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Door and Broome Street Academy are now requiring all new hires to be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have a qualified exemption.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We support a broadly diverse team who will contribute to our organization. We are an equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
