Paralegal Non-Exempt

Erie Neighborhood House (ENH), a social service agency serving the Chicago metropolitan area and dedicated to promoting a just and inclusive society, is seeking a full-time Paralegal (40 hours per week). Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, the Paralegal will be housed out of Erie House’s 1634 W Van Buren St office and their basic function is to provide paralegal support to the legal team under the Legal Services department. In return to your commitment to Erie House and its mission to the community, you will enjoy excellent professional development opportunities, opportunity for growth, and have direct impact in building powerful communities. Be a part of one of the oldest and most respected Settlement House in the Chicago Land Area. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: Administrative Duties Perform administrative duties including answering phones, taking and delivering messages, receiving documents from clients, processing incoming and outgoing mail, making copies, filing records, preparing mailings, and assisting members of the public; Promptly and accurately enter data in online case management database, including entering case notes, sending and responding to internal messages, and updating data at each stage of a client’s case; Attend to clients’ questions regarding case status or program services via phone, email, or in-person; Schedule and conduct calls with detained clients at ICE detention facilities throughout the country where ENH clients are detained; Collect fees from clients; Cover the office reception desk and support the Legal Assistant as assigned. Case Management and Supervised Legal Case Work Conduct client interviews and gather information by asking questions, actively listening and asking follow-up questions to clients; Assist clients in drafting personal statements speaking to their personal history and eligibility for immigration benefits; Gather and arrange evidence and other legal documents for legal representatives’ review and case preparation; Conduct research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles; Prepare immigration applications under legal representative and attorney supervision; Support the Legal Services Department’s deportation defense team for both detained and non- detained clients, including bond and parole proceedings, asylum, withholding of removal, relief under the Convention Against Torture, U nonimmigrant status, T nonimmigrant status, VAWA, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status with applicable waivers, motions to reopen, appeals, and other assigned affirmative cases; Assist in case management of immigration applicants, including but not limited to: maintaining client files, drafting cover letters and close out letters, preparing application packets, reviewing case files; Follow up on pending case work and maintain communication with clients via phone, email, or mail regarding missing documentation necessary for submission of application; Respond to all phone calls and email inquiries in a timely manner. File documents and forms with the Chicago Immigration Court and the USCIS Asylum Office as requested; Accompany legal representatives and clients to interviews before USCIS to serve as interpreter; Conduct intake screenings with potential clients and translate legal documents; Manage documents and files; read, analyze and organize case-related, time-sensitive records and assess conflicts; Regularly attend immigration law trainings as requested; Other duties as requested.