POSITION: The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC) is seeking candidates for a position as a Paralegal focused on serving unrepresented, non-detained immigrants at the Detroit Immigration Court through our Helpdesk program. The staff member will conduct individual and group information sessions, coordinate self-help workshops, perform friend of court services, and support pro bono efforts at the Detroit Immigration Court, at MIRC’s Detroit office, offsite, and virtually. This is a chance to join a talented team doing important and challenging work at a critical time.
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: MIRC is a legal resource center for immigrant communities. The three pillars of our work are: (1) direct legal services, (2) systemic advocacy, and (3) community education and engagement. MIRC is part of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), a non-profit law firm providing free legal services to low income and senior persons through several statewide programs. MSAS is administered by the Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP), which provides access to the justice system for those who need it the most through civil legal aid offices and statewide advocacy programs. MAP’s mission is to advance the safety, independence, and economic stability of those most affected by poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems by increasing access to justice and working for systemic solutions. Visit michiganimmigrant.org and miadvocacy.org for more information.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The paralegal will assist with all aspects of MIRC’s Helpdesk work: intake; conducting and coordinating individual and group information sessions, self-help workshops, friend of court services, and pro bono efforts; development of legal materials and documents; reporting; and more. The successful candidate must be DOJ-accredited or pursue DOJ accreditation within six months.
QUALIFICATIONS: An associate’s degree or commensurate professional experience is required; a bachelor’s degree is preferred. Applicants must possess excellent communication, collaboration, analytical and problem‐solving skills as well as a demonstrated commitment to protecting the rights of immigrants or other persons in poverty. Candidate must be detail-oriented with strong organizational skills. Candidate must be proficient with major software and web services including Word, Excel, G Suite, and have access to a reliable internet connection if they intend to work remotely some of the time. Applicants who have experience, especially related to immigration and poverty, will receive priority. Prior experience with immigration law preferred to seek DOJ accreditation. Spanish language proficiency required. Applicants who have relevant lived experience are encouraged to apply.
BENEFITS: This is a full-time position with a starting salary range of $ 46,350 - $65,000 based on years of relevant experience. MAP offers a generous benefits package including life, short- and long-term disability, health, vision, dental and flexible spending accounts. If staff do not require health benefits, they have the option to take an annual $1,500 payout in addition to the base salary paid over the course of the year. MAP also has a generous leave policy allowing staff to accrue 3 weeks paid vacation the first year and 13 paid holidays, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan including employer match for eligible staff after 6 months of employment. MAP is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
HOW TO APPLY: Please complete this application and submit your resume and cover letter. You can also access the application by copying and pasting the following web address into your browser: https://miadvocacy.bamboohr.com/careers/92. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, but priority is given to those received by March 8, 2024.
MSAS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.