Overview
This role involves supporting bond hearing preparation and representation for detained individuals served by a New York-based Habeas Program. The Bond Coordinator will work closely with detained individuals, their families, communities, and counsel to prepare evidentiary packets for bond hearings. The position also includes supporting recruitment and coordination of volunteers, contract attorneys, and pro bono limited scope representation.
This is a grant-funded independent contractor position with a two-year term from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028, contingent on grant funding and organizational needs.
Responsibilities
- Organize collection of documents and evidence needed for bond representation.
- Liaise with bond counsel to confirm documentation requirements and coordinate timely collection.
- Facilitate communication with detained clients and their families or communities to obtain records and evidence for bond packets and habeas case preparation.
- Coordinate early referral of eligible cases to New York Family Unity Project (NYIFUP)-funded providers for bond/removal representation in immigration court.
- Assist in recruitment, screening, and coordination of volunteers for bond packet preparation.
- Support recruitment, screening, and coordination of pro bono attorneys providing limited scope legal representation at bond hearings.
- Coordinate contracted attorneys providing limited scope representation to supplement bond hearing representation.
- Assist supervising attorneys with training and orientation for volunteers (lawyers and non-lawyers).
- Create volunteer guides and checklists tailored to each immigration court jurisdiction covered by the program.
- Collect and maintain case and volunteer data in program data systems, assist with reporting, and coordinate with court observation projects to document bond hearing outcomes.
Requirements
- Expertise in gathering and preparing evidence for immigration court bond hearings and detained case matters.
- Comfortable communicating with detained individuals, families, community members, and immigration attorneys.
- Experience working collaboratively with immigration attorneys, law firms, and community stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, exercise sound judgment, work independently, and remain calm under pressure.
- Experience as a paralegal or Department of Justice Accredited Representative in detained immigration removal defense is strongly preferred.
- Proficiency with collaboration and case management platforms such as Google Workspace, Slack, Asana, Airtable, Jotform, Zoom, or similar tools is preferred.
- Bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged.
Compensation & Contract Terms
- Contract Type: Independent Contractor (1099)
- Expected Workload: Approximately 25–30 hours per week
- Contract Term: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028 (subject to funding and organizational need)
- Compensation: $4,000 per month
- As an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own taxes and business expenses.
- This position is not eligible for employee benefits.
Location
- Remote position
- Candidates must reside in New York State
- Some travel required across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania as needed
Equal Opportunity
The organization is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment. Applications are welcome from qualified individuals regardless of race, skin color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, or any other characteristic. Candidates with unconventional career paths or gaps in their resume are encouraged to apply.