Temporary Senior Paralegal – Virginia Immigration

PURPOSE STATEMENT

The Senior Paralegal provides high-quality legal assistance and operational support to advance Ayuda’s immigration services. This position supports Virginia Legal Services through direct client services, case preparation, and practice management, ensuring the effective delivery of comprehensive, client-centered representation. Additionally, the Senior Paralegal manages the office’s closed file program and acts as a facilitator of communication for paralegal staff to streamline work tasks and resolve operational issues. Through this allocation of responsibilities, the Senior Paralegal helps strengthen direct representation and administrative efficiency to expand access to justice for Ayuda’s clients. 

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE 

Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA.  

WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB? 

Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe: 

• In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States. 

• In the overall success of our organization and all our programs. 

• That families should be healthy and safe from harm. 

• That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country. 

• That diversity and equality make this country better. 

WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL? 

• Support Ayuda’s Virginia Legal Team by conducting client intakes and screenings and performing outreach activities to connect community members with the appropriate legal services.  

• Assist attorney staff by providing case management assistance, communicating with clients, preparing, and organizing filings, tracking deadlines, and maintaining accurate and up to date data in the case management platform.  

• Support Ayuda’s Virginia Legal Team by communicating and meeting directly with clients to prepare immigration documentation including declarations, forms, and supporting evidence. 

• Independently manage the office’s closed file program, by assigning tasks to staff, managing the administrative workflow, and ensuring adherence to established file release and archive protocols. 

• Serve as a central point of contact for paralegal staff to facilitate communication regarding work tasks, streamline internal processes, and address operational issues as they arise. 

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS JOB? 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment.  

• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment. 

• This position will be based in our Virginia Office. This position is hybrid and will include both in-person and remote workdays. 

Qualifications:

The following qualifications are the qualities, experiences, and skills we seek in a candidate. 

Candidates who don't feel that they meet every single qualification, but who still believe they’d be the right fit for this role, are encouraged to consider applying! We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways -- not just candidates who check all the boxes. 

• Education/Experience:

• Have at least 3+ years of relevant experience working as a legal assistant or paralegal at an immigration legal services provider or other immigration practice. 

• Experience serving low-income immigrants in legal areas relevant to Ayuda’s practice.

• Experience assisting attorneys with a significant immigration caseload including a mixture of affirmative cases and removal defense. 

• Experience working with children, survivors of gender-based trauma, and/or survivors of trafficking. 

• Language Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English required; fluency in Spanish required; additional languages are a plus. 

• Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated sensitivity to and knowledge of issues involved in working with diverse populations, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. 

• Detail oriented and able to meet deadlines. 

• Strong understanding of common forms of immigration relief, including but not limited to civil protection orders, family-based petitions, U Visas, work permit renewals, advance parole applications, and similar forms of relief as applicable (and depending upon program).  

• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse multidisciplinary team. 

• Strong writing and editing skills.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: 

Please note that this position is dependent on funders' decisions about grant continuation, which are still pending at the time of posting.  

The anticipated salary for this position is $63,500 to $75,000, depending on experience. 

For example, a candidate who meets the minimum experience requirements of the position would receive a salary of $63,500. 

A candidate who has 3 years of relevant experience above the minimum requirement (i.e. 6 years of experience as a legal assistant or paralegal in the immigration field) would receive a salary of $67,800. 

We are proud of the benefits we can offer that include:  

• Platinum-level medical insurance plan 100% employer-paid 

• Dental and vision insurance 100% employer paid 

• Long-term disability insurance 100% employer paid 

• Life and AD&D insurance 100% employer paid 

• Pre-tax 401(k) with Employer match on first 3% of salary 

• Vacation Days: 21 days per year until year 3, 27 per year in years 3-7 and 33 days per year after 7 years employment. Employees begin with 3 days of vacation leave.  

• New employees begin with 5 days of Health & Wellness (sick) leave and accrue an additional 5 hours per pay period plus emergency medical leave up to 12 weeks per year 

• 12 weeks paid parental leave 

• 24 days paid holidays and staff wellness days, including Winter Break, the last week of the year 

• Job-related professional development fees (including annual state bar dues and professional memberships) 

• Flexible work schedules 

Employees with federal student loan debt may be eligible to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education. For more information, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.  

This position is non-exempt for overtime purposes.

TO APPLY: 

Please apply with a resume and cover letter. Writing samples may be requested. 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Apply early for full consideration. 

No phone calls, please. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT: 

Ayuda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.  

We believe that a diversity of experiences, opinions, and backgrounds is integral to achieving our mission and vision. We celebrate diversity and seek to leverage the passion, energy, and ideas of a culturally diverse team. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, and our hiring and promotion practices comply with all applicable anti-discrimination laws.