Immigration Paralegal (Bilingual) - Life Span

Overview Life Span seeks a bilingual Immigration Paralegal to assist survivors of domestic and sexual violence who seek legal representation. This hybrid‑remote position is based in our Chicago, Illinois office and will support civil legal representation and criminal court advocacy, as well as immigration services and counseling for survivors and their children. Responsibilities Conduct client prescreens and intakes. Explain Life Span services and direct clients to agency services as needed. Explain the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, domestic relations and immigration legal remedies available to survivors of domestic/sexual violence. Assist clients with creating a safety plan and provide client referrals to other needed services. Accompany clients and attorneys to court and/or USCIS. Translate written documents and interpret at client interviews for bilingual candidates; assist clients in court and other agencies as needed. Assist Life Span lawyers in providing legal services, including interviewing clients, preparing paperwork and forms, and gathering evidence. Accompany clients to the police station, State’s Attorney’s Office, and to criminal court proceedings to represent client’s interests or coordinate with advocates as they relate to the client’s immigration matters. Provide crime victim compensation advocacy—including information, advice, referrals, and application assistance. Organize and maintain case files. Maintain complete client statistics and submit as required on a timely basis. Actively participate in required staff meetings and trainings. Attend and participate in training and outreach as assigned. Additional Office Support Assist with answering main line calls during busy times by providing Life Span information, screening callers and directing calls. Help field calls during scheduled prescreen times when additional staff support is needed to complete the process. Provide document notarization and maintain unexpired certification. Qualifications Bachelor of Arts Degree or Paralegal Certificate. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, Polish, or Arabic language skills required to ensure clients receive language‑accessible services. Commitment to working in the not‑for‑profit/public interest sector; prior experience in working in a social service agency or with survivors of domestic or sexual violence preferred. DV certification (40‑hour). Compensation and Benefits Competitive starting salary of $53,000. Benefits include generous PTO and holidays, Summer Fridays, life and disability insurance; 403(b) plan, health, dental and vision insurance, pre‑tax public transit, Employee Assistance Plan, FSA and DCA benefit plan options. Life Span is a qualifying employer for the federal PSLF program, providing loan forgiveness benefits. Location and Hours The Immigration Paralegal position is full‑time, 40‑hour per week, based in the Chicago Loop office at 60 E Lake St, Chicago, IL 60601. The role allows up to 16 hours of remote work at the discretion of Life Span, after onboarding and completion of training. Internet access is required. Must be accessible and available during work hours by phone and email. Position Type Full‑time. #J-18808-Ljbffr ImmigrationJobs