IMMIGRATION UNIT PARALEGAL - BILINGUAL SPANISH -AFSCME 3696 (OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER)

$88,088 - $88,088/Yr

ScionHealth - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

Hospitals

About the position

The Immigration Unit Paralegal will provide essential support to the Immigration Unit Attorney Supervisor and Assistant Public Defenders representing noncitizen clients. This role focuses on immigration-related functions, ensuring compliance with legal standards set by the Supreme Court's decision in Padilla v. Kentucky. The paralegal will manage case documentation, monitor deadlines, and maintain communication with clients seeking representation, while collaborating with various professionals in the field.

Responsibilities

• Provide case-specific advice to Assistant Public Defenders representing noncitizen clients.
• Support the Unit's Padilla attorney's work and direct representation through document organization and deadline management.
• Maintain, index, and file documents for record-keeping purposes.
• Organize and maintain documents in both paper and electronic formats.
• Respond to communications from individuals seeking immigration unit representation.
• Collaborate with mitigation specialists, case workers, mental health professionals, and community advocates as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned related to the Immigration Unit.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's degree or completion of a certified paralegal training program accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Two years of full-time work experience as a Paralegal.
• Proficiency in Spanish, both verbal and written.

Nice-to-haves

• Extensive knowledge of legal research databases.
• Thorough knowledge of immigration and/or criminal law.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Lexis-Nexis software.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage of $42.35
• Full-time employment
• Opportunity to work in a supportive legal environment