Senior Paralegal-Know Your Rights Team (KYR), Detained Adults Program

Paralegal – Know Your Rights Team (KYR), Detained Adults Program Amica Center for Immigrant Rights fights for the rights, safety, and unity of immigrant communities, standing with those trapped in our nation’s fundamentally flawed immigration system. We engage in unwavering legal defense and strategic litigation for immigrant children and adults facing detention and deportation in the Capital Region and beyond, because everyone has the right to be free, safe, and supported. Our Work Environment The Detained Adult Program (DAP) works with hundreds of adults who are detained by ICE each year, providing information, support, and legal representation. We offer trauma‑sensitive, person‑centered services and deeply value the autonomy of the people we work with in detention as they navigate the inhumane immigration system. Position Summary A DAP senior paralegal supports the Know Your Rights and Direct Representation program, splitting time roughly 50/50 between jail visit tasks and direct representation tasks. Jail visit tasks: coordination and execution of monthly visits to detention centers in Virginia (Farmville Detention Center and Caroline Detention Facility) for know‑your‑rights presentations and workshops, conduct intakes with grant‑eligible individuals in the facilities, track cases through placement, and provide basic pro‑se resources. Direct representation tasks: work with detained people and their attorneys throughout removal proceedings, assist with paperwork and case preparation, and support the program’s provision of services as a whole. This role is a hybrid remote/in‑person position with the expectation of being in the DC office at least once a week. General Duties and Responsibilities Know Your Rights Visits Conduct monthly detention facility visits in Virginia (typically one overnight visit per month, consisting of two full days) to provide know‑your‑rights presentations and group workshops. Prepare and develop materials for visits, including training on know‑your‑rights information and pro‑se materials, staying current on key legal updates. Perform administrative tasks to facilitate communication with clients at the facilities and coordinate with facility staff. Complete intakes with individuals in Virginia detention facilities who are eligible for legal services. Client Services Support attorneys representing detained and released clients before immigration courts in Virginia, Maryland, and remote locations (virtually), as well as before USCIS, ICE, and local state courts. This includes cases such as Asylum, Withholding of Removal, Protection under the Convention Against Torture, BIA, and Cancellation of Removal. Assist in developing client and witness declarations, coordinating, drafting, and preparing filings, conducting country conditions research, and contributing to case strategy. Act as a backup to the intaking team, performing approximately 1–2 direct‑representation intakes per month. Engage in Amica Center’s training and advocacy efforts as needed. Interface with social services staff in preparation and execution of post‑release and social services plans. Organizational Services Ensure timely and accurate entry of data and case information into shared databases, completing administrative tasks in a timely manner. Assist other program staff in completing their workload during high‑work/low‑bandwidth periods. Participate in stakeholder relationship activities, including in‑person and remote meetings with community groups, governmental bodies and representatives, and other legal service providers. Provide supervision over junior staff members when needed. Qualifications Required Written and oral Spanish proficiency required. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be comfortable operating a vehicle when traveling for work. This role requires travel; qualified individuals with disabilities may be accommodated under the ADA. Availability to work occasional weekend/evening hours to accommodate client needs within an expected 35–40 hour workweek or during authorized overtime hours. Preference for applicants proficient in Office 365 and LegalServer. Minimum two years of experience as a paralegal or in a similar role involving trauma‑informed client support, immigration law, and detention. Competencies Required Legal Proficiency Demonstrates firm understanding of relief eligibility to contribute meaningfully to client‑facing legal activities and strategy with moderate supervision. Shows understanding of legal information versus advice and educates others on this distinction; familiar with preparing client filings with limited attorney input. Client and Programmatic Proficiency Effectively presents legal and procedural concepts to detained individuals and clients with limited supervision, including working with clients, families, and support communities throughout the case. Demonstrates trauma‑informed interviewing and rapport‑building skills, prioritizes time and resources efficiently, and contributes to supervision and professional development of junior staff. Administrative Proficiency Ensures all administrative aspects of the position—intake logging, case tracking, file upkeep, database maintenance—are performed without managerial intervention. Additional Role‑Specific Details Salary: $51,500–$60,000 Position Type: Full‑time Reports To: KYR Attorney or Managing Paralegal Supervisory Responsibility: None Location: Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, M.D. Office (travel required for hearings, jail visits, and programmatic meetings) Telework: Hybrid work environment; staff required to work at least one day per week in‑office. Benefits Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, life insurance, and pre‑tax commuter benefits for those living in the DMV; paid time off (personal, sick, volunteer, federal holidays, winter break closure, parental leave). EEO Statement Amica Center for Immigrant Rights is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti‑discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Amica Center prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Amica Center conforms to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. #J-18808-Ljbffr Amica Center for Immigrant Rights