Paralegal Specialist (Bilingual -English/Spanish)

Pay Rate: $26.90 per hour

Catholic Charities of Baltimore Esperanza Center is currently seeking a Paralegal Specialist (English/Spanish) will support the Immigration Legal Services Program. This position will focus on assisting immigrants engage and advance their immigration legal case. The work schedule is hybrid 3 days from the office and 2 days from home- Monday - Friday 37.5 hours per week. Able to work Flexible hours if need. (Mon-Fri 8a-4p / Mon-Fri 9-5pm)

The Esperanza Center provides a welcoming atmosphere, social services, health services, legal support and English as a Second Language (ESL) to immigrants in the Baltimore metropolitan area. The center's staff offers assistance with employment, English proficiency, legal services, and access to primary and urgent health care and referral services. The health services are offered in partnerships with area hospitals and medical schools.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates and schedules legal clinics, assisting with registration, intake, obtain necessary client Manages client flow, directs immigrants to additional resources, assigns community volunteers, and provides interpretation services for volunteer attorneys.
• Organizes and conducts legal Know Your Rights presentations to the community, ensuring accurate and accessible legal information is delivered effectively to the community.
• Tracks and summarizes data related to clients served, using insights to improve services and demonstrate impact and effectiveness of legal clinics.
• Shares referral information and resources with immigrants who seek legal help.
• Enhances community awareness of relevant resources, including brief legal advice clinics, case placement services and relevant city and state programs as well as social service resources to individuals in need.
• In limited cases, prepares Forms for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR) under the supervision of the Immigration Legal Services attorneys.
• Develops and implements creative outreach strategies that will connect unrepresented immigrants in removal proceedings to available legal services and resources.
• Provides data and other pertinent information on work tasks to the Managing Attorney for grant reporting duties as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree.
• One (1) year Paralegal or law-related experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Proficient in English and Spanish, with advanced skills in reading, writing, and speaking at a professional level.
• Exhibits sound communication skills, including active listening, ensuring clear and effective exchanges of verbal and written communication skills, ensuring clarity and effectiveness in all interactions.
• Acts with discretion, tact, and professionalism in all situations, maintaining confidentiality and integrity.
• Displays excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Service-oriented, consistently resolving customer or client concerns and grievances with professionalism.
• Demonstrates accountability by working independently, requiring minimal direction or supervision.
• Demonstrates patience and composure when working with children and interacting with parents, fostering positive relationships.
• Requires proficiency in using computer systems and software to perform job function, including but not limited to, basic Windows PC, web browsing (i.e., Chrome, Internet Explorer, etc.), and Microsoft Outlook. Knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel PowerPoint, Teams, and OneDrive is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Hybrid work options are available, contingent upon business needs and performance expectations in alignment with the Agency's policy.
• Remaining in a stationary position, which may involve standing or sitting for extended periods, as required to complete tasks or duties associated with the role.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 20 lbs. in all directions, which may include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or repositioning items as necessary to perform job duties.
• Engaging in communication with others to exchange information, which may involve speaking, listening, writing, or using electronic communication methods to ensure clear and effective understanding. This includes both verbal and non-verbal interactions with colleagues, clients, or external parties.
• Repetitive motions involving the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, including tasks such as typing, data entry, or handling small objects. These repetitive activities may occur throughout the workday and require attention to ergonomics to ensure comfort and minimize strain.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or transitioning between different work sites, which may involve walking, standing, or traveling to various locations as required by the role.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and completeness of assigned work to ensure it meets quality standards and adheres to established guidelines.
• Hearing and vision abilities, with or without correction, sufficient to drive safely and effectively observe and communicate with others.

We offer a wide range of benefits to meet the ever-changing needs of our employees including but not limited to:

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Mandatory & Free Leave
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a discretionary employer contribution
• Tuition Advancement
• Paid Parental Leave

Join Catholic Charities of Baltimore where you will be an important member of a trauma-informed care organization that promotes a culture of safety, empowerment, healing, and self-care, and that believes that every person has infinite worth and promise.

Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer