Job Summary
Boat People SOS, Inc. (BPSOS) is a national community-based organization serving primarily Vietnamese-American refugees and immigrants with programs ranging from community development to legal services. Through its 5 branches in the US and 2 overseas, BPSOS provides a web of services to support individuals, families, and communities.
Boat People SOS, Inc. - Houston (BPSOS-Houston) seeks a paralegal to support and expand its Legal Services Center.
Position: Paralegal
Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience and qualifications, plus benefits.
Responsibilities and Duties
Responsibilities:
- Assist Staff Attorney to serve low to no income Texas residents and survivors of domestic violence, crime victims, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other serious crimes with legal services and referrals in matters including immigration, employment, family law, and civil rights;
- Assist Pro Bono Attorneys, volunteers and local service providers assisting human trafficking and domestic violence survivors;
- Meet with clients to prepare and review applications for filing, schedule appointments and perform legal intake, and follow-up appointments
- Conduct community outreach and education on legal remedies available to crime victims and to the Vietnamese community regarding immigration options ;
- Attend outreach events (occasionally after hours and on weekends); work schedule may include some evenings and Saturdays;
- Assist in preparing immigration applications under the supervision of attorneys;
- Assist in drafting legal documents, complaints, letters and contracts for attorneys;
- Organizing and tracking cases; and
- Perform other administrative duties as assigned by the Staff Attorney.
Goals:
1. Clients receives culturally and linguistically competent, quality legal services in a timely, professional manner; and
2. BPSOS is well-represented among public and private agencies;
Qualifications and Skills
Minimum Qualifications:
- Fluency in English and Vietnamese or Chinese preferred;
- Paralegal certification or under 1 year related experience; new graduates are welcome to appy
- Excellent organization, written, and verbal skills;
- Experience working with immigrant populations;
- A strong record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communications skills;
- Must have vehicle for outreach activities with good driving record
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment as a productive member of a small office
- Experience in data management;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel.
Location: Houston, TX
To apply: Send cover letter, resume, writing sample (in English), and list of three professional references to Human
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person