Immigration Paralegal at ENLACE CHICAGO

Description

About Enlace Chicago: Enlace Chicago convenes, organizes and builds the capacity of stakeholders of Little Village to confront systemic inequities and barriers to economic and social access. The organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of Little Village residents by fostering a safe and healthy environment and by championing opportunities for educational advancement and economic development. It is committed to accountability and transparency to ensure integrity, believes in building community power through collaboration and grassroots leadership, promotes livable communities with access and opportunity for all, and values social justice and systems change. Currently, our Education, Community Safety, Clinical Services, Community Health, and Immigration and Advocacy Departments work to provide vital services and support to the very valuable residents of the Little Village community.  

Position Overview:   Enlace Chicago is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Immigration Paralegal with at least two years of experience working with immigrant communities. The Immigration Paralegal will support the Immigration & Advocacy Department by assisting attorneys and accredited legal representatives with case preparation, filings, and legal clinic operations. This role is critical to ensuring that community members have access to high quality, equity driven and culturally responsive legal support. Some evening and weekend work may be required to support legal clinics, workshops, and community events. 

 Key Responsibilities:  

Client Casework & Legal Support 

• Schedule and confirm legal clinic intake appointments. 
• Conduct client intakes, collect documentation, and prepare immigration applications under attorney/DOJ-accredited supervision. 
• Draft motions, affidavits, and supporting documents for immigration cases. 
• Maintain client case files and ensure accurate data entry in Enlace’s case management systems. 
• Collaborate with attorneys and accredited legal representatives for final review and submission of filings. 

Community & Program Engagement.

• Provide referrals and connect clients to additional internal and external resources. 
• Assist with Know Your Rights workshops and community legal education sessions. 
• Support the coordination of volunteers and staff for clinic operations. 
• Attend and contribute to community workshops and events as assigned. 

Data & Administrative Support

•  Track and organize data for reporting and grant compliance. 
•  Ensure accurate and timely communication with clients, staff, and partners. 
• Support day-to-day administrative needs of the Immigration & Advocacy Department. 
•  Perform other duties as assigned. 

Core Competencies:  

• Client-Centered Service: Ability to provide culturally responsive and equity driven support to immigrant communities. 
•  Organization & Detail Management: Skilled at managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and maintaining accurate records. 
•  Collaboration & Communication: Strong teamwork, interpersonal, and written/verbal communication skills with diverse audiences. 
• Professional Integrity: Demonstrates confidentiality, accountability, and ethical judgment in sensitive client interactions. 

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree required. 
• At least two years of experience working with immigrant populations. 
• Prior legal experience preferred (paralegal, legal assistant, or caseworker). 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Adobe PDF, and Google Suite. 
• Experience with Salesforce or other case management databases. 
• Administrative skills in scheduling, follow-ups, and record keeping. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Cell phone and automobile, or proficiency with timely use of public transportation. 
• Hybrid schedule: Ability to work a minimum of 3 days in person each week. 
• Fully bilingual: English and Spanish (required). 

Compensation: The salary range for this position annually is between $52,000 and $55,000. Salary is commensurate with experience in addition to the generous benefits package listed below. 

Benefits: 

•  Health benefits. Enlace Chicago offers you and your family access to a low-cost comprehensive health care plan, which includes medical (Bluecross Blue Shield), dental (Guardian), and vision (VSP) coverage.
•  Enlace Chicago also provides life insurance coverage and short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost to you with options of additional coverage.  
•  Retirement program. Enlace Chicago offers a voluntary 403(B) plan which begins at a 1% contribution. Enrollment is available after a 90-day grace period beginning on the first day of employment.  An enrollment packet will be mailed to you. 
•  Paid time off.  You will receive 96 hours of Upon Hire hours, which will be prorated depending on your start date. After your 3rd month, you will accrue 3.33 hours per pay period or a total of 6.66 per month . All vacation days are considered above and beyond the approved holiday schedule. Enlace has 12 paid holidays with a Holiday week between Christmas and New Year’s Day that will not be deducted from your PTO. 

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: At Enlace Chicago, we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. We believe that diverse perspectives are essential to addressing the complex social challenges we seek to solve, and we strive to create a culture that promotes belonging, respect, and opportunity for all. Our mission is rooted in uplifting the stories of those who have been historically marginalized, and we actively work to ensure that our programs, partnerships, and workplace reflect these values. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and encourage candidates who share our passion for social justice, equity, and inclusion to apply. 

Enlace Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. 

Deadline for submission: Open until filled.