BILINGUAL LEGAL ADVOCATE/PARALEGAL

BILINGUAL LEGAL ADVOCATE/PARALEGAL
Seattle, WA
https://nwirp.org/jobs

SUMMARY
The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) seeks a full-time bilingual legal advocate/paralegal to work in our Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) unit. The applicant must be fluent in English and Spanish.

The VAWA unit currently provides direct services, outreach and education throughout the state of Washington to immigrant survivors of domestic violence and other crimes. The unit processes the following case types: Self-petitions under VAWA, U visas, T visas, VAWA applications for adjustment of status, and removal defense for survivors of violence. The legal advocate will also work with other staff members on different types of immigration cases as needed.

This position will be based at NWIRP's Seattle office.

REPORTS TO
Directing Attorney, Seattle VAWA Unit

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Under the supervision of attorneys, prepare immigration forms, applications, and supporting documents;
• Conduct intakes, by phone and in person, and interview clients to gather or clarify information;
• Provide support to VAWA unit staff attorneys and accredited representatives;
• Provide support to other staff members as needed;
• Participate in and coordinate outreach and educational workshops;
• Translate documents;
• Establish, organize and maintain files;
• Maintain document control, tracking and tracing; review case files;
• Search for and retrieve public and private records such as birth certificates or criminal histories;
• Review and edit documents for accuracy and completeness;
• Perform administrative tasks related to grant reporting and other requirements;
• Participate in NWIRP's outreach, community education and development efforts; and
• Other tasks as assigned.
 
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing and defending the rights of immigrants and refugees;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to organize information in a clear and concise manner;
• Commitment to working in a diverse working environment;
• Fluent in English and Spanish;
• Previous immigration law experience preferred;
• Previous work experience with survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault desired;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently; and
• Proficiency in use of web-based software, MS Word and MS Excel.

Beginning salary for candidates with no relevant experience is $36,559 ($20.09/hr) and is higher depending on years of directly relevant experience. This position is full time: 35hrs/week, M-F, 9-5, 60 min. lunch. It is part of NWIRP's collective bargaining unit and includes health, vision, dental, retirement contributions, disability/life/AD&D coverage, generous paid leave (vacation, holidays, sick/safe) and other benefits.

TO APPLY
Send cover letter, resume and references to: [email protected] with the subject "Bilingual Legal Advocate - Seattle". Full consideration will be given to those who apply by June 1, 2017 but applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled.

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) is an equal opportunity employer committed to a policy of equal opportunity and fosters an environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices. It is the policy of NWIRP to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination and to provide a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. NWIRP actively promotes mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork and productivity. NWIRP is committed to maintaining an organization whose staff, board and clients are diverse in background, experience, race, color, national origin, gender, age, religious reference, marital status, sexual orientation, sensory, mental or physical abilities, veteran status, and other qualities that strengthen the program while reinforcing its commitment to basic fairness. People of color, people who identify as transgender, lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. We encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBT community and other minority groups.