HANAC, Inc. - originally founded by George Douris as the Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee - is a New York City-based multi-faceted social services organization. The organization was founded in 1972 to serve the needs of vulnerable populations throughout New York City. The Immigration Paralegal works as an integral part of a team with the immigration attorney, Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) accredited representative, and support staff. The Immigration Paralegal will assist the staff attorney and the Program Director in providing legal services, education, and outreach, including coordination of community events, and working under attorney supervision to assist clients on Immigration law matters. The Paralegal will adhere to recognized ethical standards and rules of professional responsibility. S/He will help immigrants in different aspects of immigration law matters such as those involving obtaining relief through citizenship, political asylum, U Visas, Green Card renewal, DACA, etc. Work Location: Astoria, QueensWork Schedule: Monday through Thursday (1 PM to 5 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM, as required)Pay rate: $28 per hour**Bilingual English/Spanish Required. Responsibilities and essential functions include but are not limited to:
- Review client issues
- Identify the process to alleviate client issues
- Work with a case manager to complete required immigration paperwork
- Consult with staff attorney to overcome obstacles
- Provide workshop presentations
- Assist in the completion of various program requirements as needed.
- Obtaining visas and citizenships
- Updating clients on progress, answering their questions, or preparing paperwork
- Creating and maintaining a calendar to ensure the timely filing of petitions, applications, and extensions
- Drafting applications and petitions and coordinating the filing of applications and petitions
- Drafting, receiving and filing letters, affidavits, and other correspondence supporting applications and petitions
- Researching client documents (birth certificates, police records, marriage records, etc.) and helping clients obtain them
- Preparing clients for Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) interviews
- Serving as a liaison between the INS, the Department of Labor (DOL), and attorneys
Minimum Requirements:
- Associate's degree in law or Paralegal Studies and family-based immigration law experience within the last five years.
- The candidate requires sensitivity in addressing the needs of a culturally diverse population and is bilingual in Spanish.
- The candidate must have excellent communication, writing, record-keeping, and follow-up skills and have the ability to conduct workshops.