Immigration Legal Services Associate

Immigration Legal Services 

*Spanish, French or Pulaar Fluency Required. Applicants who are not fluent in one of these languages will not be considered. Further, this is for an immediate full-time start so current full-time students will not be considered.”

Project Rousseau: 

Project Rousseau is a non-profit organization that empowers youth in communities in the greatest need to excel in higher education. The majority of the young people served by Project Rousseau are homeless and/or asylum seekers; Project Rousseau is at the forefront of the humanitarian migrant crisis in New York City. 

Position Overview

Through Project Rousseau’s Immigration Legal Services, we provide a pathway to hope and opportunity. We believe that every young person, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the chance to pursue their educational goals with dignity and without fear. We empower young people to navigate the complexities of the immigration system, understand their rights, and pursue pathways to legal status and stability. We aim to ensure that young people have access to high-quality legal representation and support as they seek to build their futures. 

Project Rousseau seeks an Immigration Legal Services Associate to provide paralegal support to attorneys representing immigrant youth and families in immigration court. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Manhattan, New York. The Associate will work with clients to gather information and prepare affidavits and supporting documents for their applications for asylum. 

The successful candidate will have paralegal or related legal-services experience and be comfortable working with young people and families in sensitive circumstances. They will work under attorney supervision to support case strategy, prepare filings and evidence, communicate with clients and caregivers, and coordinate with Project Rousseau colleagues. 

Responsibilities include:

• Support attorneys representing clients in family/immigration court in their applications for asylum and/or Special Immigration Juvenile Status.
• Assist with client intake and interviews
• Work with clients to prepare draft affidavits and declarations for attorney review, using trauma-informed and age-appropriate practices.
• Collect, organise, and prepare supporting evidence, including identity, family, school, medical, and other relevant records.
• Conduct research to prepare country conditions reports in support of a client's claim for asylum. 
• Assist attorneys with preparing petitions, motions, proposed orders, exhibit packets, and other Immigration Court filings.
• Help prepare clients and caregivers for hearings and coordinate hearing logistics with attorneys, court personnel, and service providers.
• Communicate with clients and caregivers about requested documents, appointments, deadlines, and case updates, under attorney supervision.
• Provide translation and interpretation support to clients between English and Spanish and/or English and French. 
• Maintain accurate case files and case-management records, track deadlines, and help attorneys manage a caseload effectively.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Education and Licensing:

Associates or Bachelor’s Degree

Experience:

• At least 1 year of demonstrated experience as a paralegal or in a similar administrative role 

Preferred: 2+ years of experience as a paralegal in immigration law or a related field.

Skills and Attributes:

• Fluency in Spanish or French
• Outstanding organizational skills, including time management, record-keeping, and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines independently.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to complete forms accurately in a timely manner.
• Strong interest in adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of young people and their families. 
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with young people, management, and program staff.

Values and Commitment:

• Deep commitment to social justice and a passion for serving immigrant communities.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex and sensitive matters with discretion, empathy, and sound judgment.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 35 hours per week

Job Location: 1560 Broadway, NY, 10036, please note this is an in-person role. Candidates should be comfortable with being in-person at least 4 days per week. 

Salary Range: $53,000-$63,000 per year

Benefits: Employer contribution to ICHRA (Healthcare Reimbursement)

Application: Cover letter and resume should be submitted via Justworks. This position is for an immediate start, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

This is a contract-funded position with an initial one-year term, with the possibility of extension subject to continued funding and satisfactory performance.