Pay Rate: $26.90 per hour
Catholic Charities of Baltimore Esperanza Center is currently seeking a Paralegal Specialist (English/Spanish) to support the Immigration Legal Services Program by assisting with case preparation, client communication, legal clinics, outreach, referrals, and case data management. This role helps immigrants access legal services and resources while supporting efficient program operations, accurate reporting, and Catholic Charities’ mission to serve with dignity, compassion, and excellence.
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 8 AM - 4 PM / Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
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 & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assists attorneys and legal representatives prepare immigration legal cases for low-income clients in a range of humanitarian, family-based, affirmative and defensive immigration cases.
- Under Attorney supervision, assists with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services form preparation, declaration drafting, evidence gathering, and client communication. Assist attorneys with trial preparation.
- Coordinates and supports legal clinics by managing scheduling, registration, intake, client paperwork, client flow, volunteer assignments, interpretation support, and referrals to additional community resources; accountable for ensuring clinics operate efficiently and clients receive timely, organized, and appropriate support.
- Organizes and supports Know Your Rights presentations for the community; accountable for ensuring information is accurate, accessible, culturally responsive, and delivered in a manner that supports community understanding and engagement.
- Tracks, summarizes, and analyzes client service data to support program evaluation, improve service delivery, and demonstrates the impact and effectiveness of legal clinics; accountable for maintaining accurate, complete, and timely data records.
- Provides referral information and resource guidance to immigrants seeking legal assistance; accountable for sharing accurate, relevant, and appropriate resources based on client needs.
- Enters, updates, and manages client case data in the legal case management database; accountable for maintaining accurate, confidential, and timely records in accordance with program expectations.
- Develops and implements outreach strategies to connect unrepresented immigrants in removal proceedings with available legal services and community resources; accountable for supporting expanded access to services through proactive and effective outreach efforts.
- Provides data, documentation, and relevant work updates to the Managing Attorney to support grant reporting and program compliance; accountable for submitting accurate and timely information as requested.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- One (1) year of experience as an immigration paralegal, legal assistant, legal administrative assistant, or in a related law-based role required.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Bilingual in English and Spanish, with advanced skills in reading, writing, and speaking at a professional level.
- Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills, including active listening, ensuring clarity and effectiveness in all interactions.
- Displays excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
- Effectively relates to and provides compassionate care for individuals with diverse personalities and needs.
- 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.
- Acts with discretion, tact, and professionalism in all situations, maintaining confidentiality and integrity.
- Requires proficiency in using computer systems and software to perform job functions, including basic Windows PC use, web browsing, Microsoft Outlook, and other Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and OneDrive.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Preferred
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Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
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Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
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Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
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Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
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Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Preferred
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Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
