The part-time Immigration Paralegal provides case preparation, administrative, and client support to the Immigration Legal Services Program within Sunnyside Community Services’ Adult and Immigrant Services department.
The Immigration Paralegal works directly with immigrant clients to conduct intakes, collect and review supporting documentation, prepare immigration forms and case materials, draft client declarations and affidavits, and provide ongoing case follow-up. The position supports a variety of affirmative immigration matters, including family-based petitions, adjustment of status, naturalization, employment authorization, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), consular processing, and other USCIS applications.
This position requires strong attention to detail, excellent client communication, and the ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines. The Immigration Paralegal works under appropriate supervision and does not provide independent legal advice or legal representation.
Responsibilities
Client Intake and Case Management
- Conduct client intakes and gather relevant immigration, biographical, family, and case history information.
- Assist with identifying documents and information required for case preparation based on established program procedures and case guidance.
- Maintain an active caseload and provide consistent and timely follow-up to clients throughout the case preparation process.
- Communicate with clients regarding outstanding documents, incomplete information, appointments, case preparation needs, and other required actions.
- Collect, organize, review, and track supporting documents provided by clients.
- Follow up regarding missing or additional documentation and ensure case files are complete before supervisory review.
- Maintain regular communication regarding case preparation progress and next steps.
- Identify urgent, complex, or unusual case issues and promptly escalate them to the Director of Adult and Immigrant Services or appropriate supervising legal staff.
- Meet specific program goals, contractual deliverables, and performance expectations established for the Immigration Legal Services Program.
Immigration Case Preparation
- Assist with family-based petitions, adjustment of status, naturalization, employment authorization, TPS, DACA, consular processing, and other affirmative USCIS applications.
- Prepare immigration forms and supporting case materials based on client information and documentation.
- Draft client declarations, affidavits, cover letters, document lists, and other case-related materials for supervisory review.
- Review forms and case materials for completeness, consistency, and accuracy before submission for review.
- Organize supporting evidence and prepare immigration application packages in accordance with established program procedures.
- Assist with responses to Requests for Evidence (RFEs), Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs), and other agency correspondence, as directed and under appropriate supervision.
- Assist clients with obtaining civil documents and other supporting evidence necessary for case preparation.
- Track case deadlines, filing requirements, appointments, and other important case milestones.
- Ensure case preparation activities are completed timely and in accordance with internal procedures.
Client Communication and Follow-Up
- Maintain professional, respectful, and culturally responsive communication with clients.
- Explain case preparation procedures, document requirements, appointments, and administrative next steps clearly.
- Follow up consistently regarding missing documents, outstanding information, signatures, and pending case preparation requirements.
- Contact clients regarding USCIS notices, biometrics appointments, interview notices, and other case-related correspondence, as directed.
- Assist clients with scheduling and preparing for case-related appointments and meetings.
- Document substantive client communications and follow-up activities in the appropriate case management system.
- Refer requests for legal advice, legal strategy, or legal interpretation to appropriate supervising legal staff.
Case File and Document Management
- Maintain complete, accurate, organized, and up-to-date electronic and physical case files.
- Upload and properly categorize client documents, immigration forms, correspondence, and case materials in applicable case management systems.
- Maintain detailed case notes documenting client communications, documents received, outstanding items, and case progress.
- Review case files regularly to identify missing documents, incomplete information, upcoming deadlines, and required follow-up.
- Ensure required signatures and supporting documents are collected before cases are submitted for final review.
- Assist with maintaining case tracking systems and program spreadsheets.
- Protect client confidentiality and handle sensitive personal and immigration information in accordance with SCS policies and program requirements.
Program Support and Collaboration
- Work closely with the Director of Adult and Immigrant Services and Immigration Legal Services staff to support case preparation and program operations.
- Participate in case review meetings, team meetings, supervision, trainings, and professional development activities.
- Assist with immigration clinics, workshops, community events, and outreach activities as needed.
- Facilitate internal referrals to other AIS and SCS programs when clients identify additional needs.
- Collaborate with Community Resources, ESOL, College Savings, and other SCS programs to strengthen cross-program referrals and coordinated services.
- Assist with program data collection, case tracking, and reporting requirements.
- Support broader departmental initiatives and priorities as needed.
Scope of Role and Professional Responsibility
- Perform immigration case preparation and client support activities under appropriate supervision and in accordance with SCS policies and procedures.
- Do not independently provide legal advice, determine legal strategy, or represent clients in legal proceedings.
- Promptly refer legal questions, eligibility determinations, complex immigration issues, and requests for legal advice to appropriate supervising legal staff.
- Maintain professional boundaries and clearly communicate the scope of the Paralegal’s role to clients when necessary.
- This position does not provide removal defense services or representation in immigration court.
Additional Duties
- Perform other related duties as needed to support the Immigration Legal Services Program and the mission of Sunnyside Community Services.
Qualifications
- Two to three years of experience working on immigration matters required.
- Demonstrated experience preparing immigration forms and supporting documentation for affirmative immigration matters.
- Experience with family-based petitions, adjustment of status, naturalization, employment authorization, TPS, DACA, consular processing, or other USCIS applications strongly preferred.
- Bilingual English/Spanish required.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent relevant immigration legal services, paralegal, or community-based experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- Strong understanding of immigration case preparation, document collection, and client followup processes.
- Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple cases, deadlines, and competing priorities.
- Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Experience working with immigrant, low-income, and culturally diverse communities preferred.
- Ability to communicate complex processes to clients clearly.
- Ability to work independently while following supervisory guidance and established case procedures.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and case management systems.
- Flexibility, patience, resourcefulness, and commitment to culturally responsive and client-centered services.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive client information.
SCS Benefits Package
- 403(b) retirement plan.
- Transit checks.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Prorated time off.
How to Apply
If interested, please send your resume and cover letter to esierra@scsny.org.
All positions at Sunnyside Community Services are filled without regard to race/color, religion/creed, national origin, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy-related condition or lactation, military/veteran status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, sexual or reproductive health decisions, height, weight, status as a victim of domestic violence/stalking/ sex offenses, predisposing genetic characteristic, immigration or citizenship status, prior arrest or conviction record, credit history, salary history, unemployment status, pre-employment marijuana testing, union affiliation/activity, or for reporting or opposing discrimination on these bases or for reporting or opposing violations of workplace health and safety, pay equity or practices, or for participating in any internal or any legally protected status listed in the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL). All are encouraged to apply.
Sunnyside Community Services strives to address, explore, and educate all our stakeholders about the diversity of human experience and to advance and integrate racial equity and social justice into all organizational policies and programs. We believe that everyone, regardless of who they are or what they do for the organization, should feel equally involved and supported.
Sunnyside Community Services represents a commitment to considering the whole person and how systemic barriers and access to opportunities can affect their well-being.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer