Temporary FLEX Paralegal I

Job Details Job Location: Chicago, IL 60612 (1634 W Van Buren St office)

Salary Range: $22.60 – $25.00 hourly (annual equivalent $47,000–$52,000 based on experience)

Erie Neighborhood House (ENH) is a social service agency serving the Chicago metropolitan area dedicated to promoting a just and inclusive society.

Position Responsibilities Administrative Duties Perform administrative duties including answering phones, taking and delivering messages, receiving documents from clients, processing incoming and outgoing mail, making copies, filing records, preparing mailings, and assisting members of the public.

Promptly and accurately enter data in the online case management database, including entering case notes, sending and responding to internal messages, and updating data at each stage of a client’s case.

Attend to clients’ questions regarding case status or program services via phone, email, or in person.

Schedule and confirm appointments for legal representatives.

Collect fees from clients.

Cover the office reception desk and support the Legal Assistant as assigned.

Case Management and Supervised Legal Case Work Conduct client interviews and gather information by asking questions, actively listening, and asking follow‑up questions.

Assist clients in drafting personal statements speaking to their personal history and eligibility for immigration benefits.

Gather and arrange evidence and other legal documents for legal representatives’ review and case preparation.

Conduct research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles.

Prepare immigration applications under legal representative and attorney supervision.

Assist individuals with the completion of the appropriate applications, including citizenship and naturalization, DACA, family petitions, consular processing, adjustment of status, U‑visa, VAWA, asylum, and removal defense cases.

Assist in case management of immigration applicants, including maintaining client files, drafting cover letters and close‑out letters, preparing application packets, and reviewing case files.

Follow up on pending case work and maintain communication with clients regarding missing documentation.

Assist in case management of citizenship and immigration applicants at workshops and during office hours.

Respond to phone calls and email inquiries on citizenship and immigration issues in a timely manner.

File documents and forms with the Chicago Immigration Court and the USCIS Asylum Office as requested.

Accompany legal representatives and clients to interviews before USCIS to serve as interpreter.

Conduct intake screenings with potential clients and translate legal documents.

Manage documents and files; read, analyze, and organize case‑related, time‑sensitive records and assess conflicts.

Regularly attend immigration law trainings as requested.

Other duties as requested.

Qualifications Written and oral fluency in English and Spanish required.

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Previous legal research or paralegal experience preferred.

Excellent organizational, oral, communication, and written skills.

Solution‑oriented mindset with a willingness to take initiative while juggling several priorities.

Strong proofreading and detail‑oriented research and writing skills.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with legal ethical and professional rules of conduct.

Ability to prioritize and juggle multiple projects simultaneously and independently, often under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.

Desire and ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Ability to follow directions and instructions of supervising staff and apply constructive feedback.

Ability to stay organized, manage a high‑volume workload, and work under strict deadlines.

Sensitivity to the needs and legal issues affecting people of diverse backgrounds.

Excellent professional judgment and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work a hybrid schedule of at least three days on site.

Access to reliable transportation; travel between various sites within Chicago city limits expected.

Occasional weekend hours required for Saturday workshops.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and case management software preferred.

Demonstrated commitment to social justice and sensitivity to challenges of the immigrant community.

Team Member Benefits Compensation : $47,000–$52,000 salary / $22.60–$25.00 hourly based on experience.

Work / Life Integration : Generous paid time off: 12 accrued sick days per year, 3 personal days, paid birthday off, 8 paid holidays (including Juneteenth), paid week off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

Vacation: Year 1 eight days, Year 2 thirteen days, Year 3 and beyond twenty days.

Access to alternative and flexible work schedules and personal leave where possible.

Two‑week fully paid parental leave for eligible employees.

Time off for school conferences and activities as well as bereavement leave.

Professional Development : Employer‑sponsored learning and development programs.

Paid day off annually for personal professional development.

Tuition assistance and debt relief program, as budget allows.

Wellness Support : Employer‑sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance.

Employer‑paid life insurance.

Voluntary life and AD&D and short and long‑term disability.

Flexible spending accounts for medical, vision and dependent care.

403b with employer match.

Employee assistance program.

Erie Neighborhood House is dedicated to creating a workforce that promotes and supports diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals without discrimination. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact View email address on click.appcast.io.

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