Paralegal 1 (Uc Immigrant Legal Services Center Paralegal)

Department Purpose

The UC Immigrant Student Legal Services Center is a law center serving the immigration-related needs of the UC system’s undocumented and AB 540- eligible students and their family members. It also serves legal permanent residents and noncitizen family members of US citizens enrolled students, with immigration related matters. The mission of the Center is to provide high quality legal assistance to support the needs of undocumented students and their families.
Applies professional concepts to conduct analytical studies of limited scope and complexity to address a variety of legal or policy issues. Applies skills to fully analyze issues and problems, gather data and information, find and evaluate alternatives and make sound recommendations.
The position would be located either at UC Irvine or at UC Riverside, and the paralegal would be expected to commute between both campuses. The paralegal would also have the option of working remotely for a limited number of hours per week.

Job Summary

THIS POSITION WILL SERVE THE POPULATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE AND RIVERSIDE, AND WILL COMMUTE BETWEEN BOTH CAMPUS.
Under general supervision of the Managing Attorney, independently provide analytical and paralegal support for the delivery of legal services for the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center at UC Irvine and UC Riverside.
Serve as a knowledge manager for data, correspondence, subject matter files, reports, and other documentation associated with legal matters handled by the office.
Work with staff attorneys and accredited representatives in the preparation and filing of all immigration applications, FOIAs, state court filings, responding to correspondence with government agencies. Independently perform analytical research and gather information for the preparation of immigrations legal documents.
Primary responsibility for the initial preparation of first time and renewal DACA applications to USCIS. Develop, analyze, and assess processes for virtual handling of DACA applications. Develop goals and plans for resolution and implement actions for improved systems. Maintain database and records systems.

POSITION INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Computer and Peripheral Equipment – constantly
• Up to 25 Pounds (Light) – occasionally
• Sitting – frequently

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work occasional overtime.
• Work location would entail commuting between UC Irvine and UC Riverside, with a limited option
• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271
• Work in a fast-paced legal environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Additional Minimum License/Certification:

• Paralegal certification or equivalent.

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Experience working with confidential information and sensitive data and exercising discretion in dealing with confidential or potentially sensitive topics.
• Experience with accepted law office systems and procedures for calendaring, billing, bookkeeping, and time keeping. Skills using MS Office Suite (Word, Outlook calendaring, Excel, Access and PowerPoint), electronic mail, and the Internet to independently draft and edit correspondence, reports and presentations using proper grammar, style, spelling, punctuation and protocol.
• Experience working with immigration firms, non-profits, or agencies. Extensive knowledge of legal immigration terminology, practices, forms and the immigration legal system and experience working independently on immigration applications.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Organization and time management skills to prioritize a high-volume workload with competing deadlines, establish systems to track and meet a variety of deadlines, follow through to solutions, and give attention to detail.
• Oral and written communication skills to independently formulate and express ideas and concepts; to respond to correspondence and requests; and to draft and edit correspondence, reports, presentations, and other documentation.
• Analytical, research and problem-solving skills to extract, interpret and evaluate data from various sources, independently summarize information, and organize data and materials into a comprehensive package.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Experience supporting attorneys and/or accredited representatives in a professional legal environment; skilled in legal terminology.
• Experience using the Internet, Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw or other online systems to research information, such as legal information and travel planning details. Familiarity with data management software, including experience working with relational databases; manipulating and extracting data for spreadsheets and producing reports.
• Experience working on immigration litigation in Federal courts.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Fluency in Spanish.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

The University of California has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Policy (ucop.edu) covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, employees must submit proof of vaccination or a University-approved exception or deferral.

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