Intake Paralegal

Paralegal, Intake Program

Mission

Driven by the Jewish value of “welcoming the stranger”, HIAS Pennsylvania supports low-income immigrants of all backgrounds as they build new lives in our community. Through immigration legal services and an array of social services, we work to address their needs, defend their rights, and advocate for their equitable inclusion in American society.  

Position Description

The Paralegal will assist the Intake Team with conducting intakes, outreach to eligible populations and stakeholders, and administrative work.  The Intake Paralegal will be responsible for interviewing prospective clients seeking HIAS PA services.  As part of their role, the Intake Paralegal will be required to ask about challenging and sensitive subjects, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, persecution, and torture. Under the direction of the Intake Supervising Attorney, the Intake Paralegal will be responsible for scheduling cases for agency staff, collecting client documentation, and making appropriate referrals for each caller. In addition, the Intake Paralegal will be responsible for conducting in-person intake interviews at clinics organized in partnership with other community organizations and agencies.

In collaboration with the Intake Supervising Attorney, the Intake Paralegal will be responsible for ensuring data is accurate and up to date within and across the various databases used by the Intake Program.  Intake paralegals will run monthly reports to assist with regular evaluation of the Intake Program, develop and maintain resources for legal and social service referrals, as well as maintain monthly intake sheets. Intake paralegals will also assist the Intake Supervising Attorney in maintaining up-to-date community resources and training on various areas of immigration law. 
 

Summary of Responsibilities

The Intake Paralegal will support and report to the Supervising Intake Attorney. Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to) the following tasks:

• Complete all initial case assessments to determine the appropriateness of the case for the agency, language needs, and financial eligibility of prospective clients.

• Ensure that a preliminary conflicts check is performed and that intake information in the agency’s case management system is input efficiently and accurately.

• Ensure that all relevant documents needed for a complete assessment are collected and that comprehensive case summaries are prepared.

• Coordinate scheduling of cases for comprehensive service with immigration specialists and attorneys.

• Ensure that callers who require other services are referred either internally or to appropriate agencies.

• Assist the Supervising Intake Attorney in ensuring that a central database of referral sources and information is maintained with up-to-date and accurate information.

• Assist the Intake Team with maintaining and improving the interview process for all prospective clients by phone or in person, using the Language Line when needed, to review their service eligibility and ensure reasonable access to our services throughout the year.

• Assist the Supervising Intake Attorney in establishing and maintaining relationships with project stakeholders including community-based organizations, social service organizations, immigration professionals, and legal service providers. This includes attendance at professional or provider meetings.

• Conduct in-person intakes at community organization sites as needed. 

• Generate monthly reports to ensure accurate data across various databases used by the intake program.

• Assist the Supervising Attorney with the daily management, recruiting, and training of Intake Program interns and volunteers.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• A college degree or equivalent experience.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

• Proficiency in using Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.

• Prior experience with online reporting systems and database systems.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment with diverse clients, collaborators, and stakeholders.

• Sensitivity to working with diverse populations.

• Emotional Resilience Required: The Paralegal will be required to engage in frequent conversations with individuals who have experienced significant trauma, including domestic violence, persecution, and other forms of abuse and hardship. Due to the nature of the work, the paralegal must be capable of managing their emotional responses and maintaining professional boundaries.

• Passion for HIAS PA’s mission and work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Oral and written proficiency in a language other than English desired preferably Spanish.

• Experience working at a legal services agency or with immigrants.

• Previous experience working successfully with a culturally diverse and limited English Proficient clientele.

Other Information: HIAS PA is currently working on a hybrid model. HIAS Pennsylvania requires all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with the exception of those who have a medical or religious beliefs exemption. 

Why Join the HIAS PA Team? 

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience ($48,000 - 52,000).  

• Flexible 35-hour work week. 

• 403(b) Retirement account with employer contribution. 

• Generous Time Off including Vacation, PTO, Paid Holidays.

• Company-paid employee major medical, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance. 

How to Apply

Please complete the application and upload your cover letter and resume to apply.

HIAS Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital, veteran or disability status, political affiliation, or beliefs. We believe that diversity enriches our organization and helps us to fulfill our mission. All qualified applicants, including those who represent minority and marginalized groups, are strongly encouraged to apply.