Northwest Workers’ Justice Project seeks Bilingual Paralegal*

The Northwest Workers’ Justice Project exists to support the efforts of low wage, immigrant and contingent workers to protect workplace dignity and to improve their wages and working conditions. We offer high-quality, direct legal assistance to workers and their organizations; support organizing efforts; educate workers, their leaders and the public about workplace rights; advocate for better employment laws; and promote greater access to low-cost employment legal assistance. Our office is in Portland, Oregon.

Position description:

*Paralegal certification is not a requirement for this position. On-the-job training will be offered to the successful candidate who displays appropriate basic skills.

NWJP seeks a full-time paralegal to help educate immigrant workers who are seeking assistance with employment legal problems about their rights as immigrants, evaluate their potential for immigration relief, and support them through all stages of workers’ rights litigation.

Duties may include:

  • Detailed client interviews on immigration histories and equities, and concerning workplace disputes;
  • Detailed fact investigation;
  • Work with staff to develop and execute outreach strategies to current and prospective clients and community organizations in order to overcome irrational fears about immigration enforcement and provide up-to-date, accurate information about what is actually happening in immigration enforcement. Outreach and community education  may include using Spanish media outlets.
  • Work with attorneys and immigration law partners to develop and implement immigration screening protocols;
  • Compile immigration and other resource materials for clients;
  • Work with clients to develop immigration enforcement crisis plans;
  • Case management and support, including document and file management, research, drafting legal documents, managing and maintaining client communications.

The position requires the ability to work well with co-workers and a variety of external partners including civil rights organizations, immigrants’ rights organizations, and community and other advocacy groups. 

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following skills and experience:

  • Fluent English-language skills and high proficiency in spoken and written Spanish required;
  • Cultural competence to help address legal needs of immigrant workers and ability to establish trusting relationships;
  • Passion for social justice;
  • Ability to work both independently and as a team player;
  • Strong organizational skills, responsible follow-through and flexibility around reacting quickly to changing priorities;
  • Ability to be detailed-oriented with excellent time management skills;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Strong computers skills, including word processing, spreadsheets and Googles Apps;
  • Immigration and/or employment law experience preferred, but not required;
  • Willingness to flex work schedule to work weekends and evenings, as needed.
  • A valid Oregon driver’s license and access to a vehicle to travel to presentations outside of Portland.

How to apply:

Please send cover letter, resume, writing sample and three references to Corinna Spencer-Scheurich at jobs@nwjp.org. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please send materials no later than February 5, 2019.

NWJP is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants who will contribute to our diversity to apply.

Salary: Full-time position. Salary is commensurate with salary paid by Oregon legal services programs, which depends on experience. NWJP offers healthcare premium reimbursement.

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