LOPC Paralegal

Catholic Charities USA - Washington, DC

Full-time - Entry Level

Washington, DC

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

At Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, the Paralegal under the Legal Orientation Program for Custodians (LOPC) of Unaccompanied Minors plays a crucial role in providing legal services and support to vulnerable populations. This position is responsible for conducting group orientations, managing incoming referrals, and scheduling custodians and minors for LOPCs. The Paralegal will work under the supervision of an attorney or Department of Justice (DOJ) Accredited Legal Representative, ensuring that clients receive the necessary legal assistance and guidance throughout their immigration processes. The Paralegal will conduct the Legal Orientation Program for Custodians of Unaccompanied Minors, which includes contacting custodians to arrange their attendance at presentations and managing all incoming custodian referrals from various sources, such as fingerprinting sites and other legal service providers. This role requires meticulous data entry into the appropriate systems and databases, as well as the preparation of materials for presentations. The Paralegal will also provide group orientations and individualized information to custodians, either virtually or at designated community sites, and may conduct self-help workshops as needed. In addition to these responsibilities, the Paralegal will assist with the client intake process and general case management, providing direct legal services to clients under supervision before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), asylum offices, and the Department of State. This includes interviewing individuals seeking assistance, drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, and maintaining client records in accordance with agency policies. The Paralegal will also assist the Director in compiling management reports and statistics, conduct community outreach, and may assist with contract or grant writing as requested. This position is integral to the mission of Catholic Charities, which is to inspire hope and build futures for those in need.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Legal Orientation Program for Custodians of Unaccompanied Minors.
• Contact custodians to arrange attendance at presentations, following up as needed.
• Manage all incoming custodian referrals from various sources, such as fingerprinting sites, border legal service providers, and other organizations/agencies.
• Enter custodian data and presentation attendee data into the appropriate system/database.
• Schedule office space and prepare materials for presentations.
• Provide group orientations and individualized information to custodians virtually or at designated sites throughout the community.
• Provide 'self-help' workshops as needed for custodians.
• Keep track of data on LOPCs and custodians and respond to requests for information from the LOPC funding source.
• Participate in conference calls, as needed.
• Perform paralegal duties.
• Assist with the client intake process and general case management.
• Provide direct legal services to clients under the supervision of an attorney or Department of Justice (DOJ) Accredited Legal Representative before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), asylum office, and Department of State.
• Interview individuals seeking assistance with legal matters. When appropriate, draft and prepare legal documents, correspondence and client applications.
• Conduct legal research on various issues of law.
• Maintain client records in accordance with agency and program policies.
• Assist Director in compiling management reports and statistics.
• Conduct community outreach.
• Assist with contract/grant writing, as requested.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Government, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• One-year experience working in immigration or a related field.
• One-year experience as paralegal or a related position.

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual (Fluent in English and Spanish)
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Organizational skills and ability to problem solve and adapt to changing priorities.

Benefits

• Medical, prescriptions, dental and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Company-paid and supplemental life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Paid vacation, sick and personal leave
• 11 paid holidays
• Professional development and training
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee referral bonus program