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The Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts (JCSM), a subsidiary of South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. (SCCLS), a non-profit legal services program providing free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income and elder residents, seeks to hire paralegals to work with a collaborative, supportive, and dynamic immigration unit located in downtown Brockton, MA. The immigration unit represents clients in a wide-range of matters, including, but not limited to, asylum, U and T visas for victims of crime and trafficking, special immigrant juvenile cases, VAWA, TPS, DACA, family-based petitions, and removal defense. In addition to direct representation, the immigration unit engages in systemic advocacy, community outreach and education, and provides community clinics.

The Organization:

SCCLS and its subsidiary, the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts (JCSM), with a combined staff of nearly 80, is the principal provider of free, civil legal aid to low-income residents of Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. SCCLS law offices are located in Hyannis, New Bedford and Fall River. The Justice Center is located in Brockton. SCCLS’ core mission is to achieve justice for eligible clients through community-based advocacy. The organization prioritizes legal services in: housing, public benefits, elder law, domestic relations, employment, education, immigration, and consumer matters.

Responsibilities:

  • Case management, serve as point of contact for clients with pending cases, assist with forms preparations, client meetings, and other case work with attorney supervision;
  • Assist with management of new intakes and scheduling of consultations;
  • Assist with community education, outreach, and clinic events;
  • Participate in team meetings and systemic advocacy projects;
  • Engage in continuous learning in immigration law;
  • Participate in other program activities to support the immigration practice and to further organizational goals and mission as directed by the Supervising Attorney and Director of Immigration Advocacy.

Competencies/Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated commitment or experience working with diverse communities, including experience with individuals who may have experienced poverty, trauma or discrimination; or possess lived experienced in these areas;
  • Strong organizational, time management and case management skills, including strong attention to detail;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team; flexible and adaptable;
  • Proficiency or ability to learn legal case management systems, Microsoft Office Suite;
  • Commitment to race equity, anti-racism and economic justice in the workplace and in the provision of legal services;
  • Certificate/Bachelor’s degree preferred;
  • Fluency in a language reflecting our client populations preferred (e.g. Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, Vietnamese, Khmer);
  • Prior immigration law experience preferred.

Compensation and Benefits: JCSM salaries are based on a collective bargaining agreement scale starting at $52,100 with no years of experience, with yearly standard increases, and additional increment for demonstrated language skills. Benefits package: robust health and dental with supplemental coverage, life insurance, disability, flexible spending account, 403(b), loan forgiveness. Generous paid leave including sick, vacation, personal and holidays. JCSM is currently operating with a hybrid work model.

Apply: For full consideration, submit: letter of interest and resume to LThelin@sccls.org with subject: JCSM Paralegal -- Immig. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

South Coastal Counties Legal Services and its subsidiary are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of age, class, color, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender, national origin, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. We strive to foster a healthy, inclusive environment where all staff, clients, and community members are valued, empowered and recognized.