ABOUT US 

AsylumWorks was founded in 2016 to address the holistic needs of individuals and families navigating the U.S. immigration system. Our mission is to empower newcomers seeking safety to overcome health, employment, and legal challenges. Our interdisciplinary approach combines Health & Wellness, Employment & Education, and Legal Navigation services to help clients rebuild healthy, safe, and self-sufficient lives. Services are free and available to newcomers living in the Washington, D.C. metro region, regardless of language or country of origin. Central to our approach is our commitment to hiring and training bilingual newcomers to support other newcomers. This ensures our services remain culturally responsive, impactful, and sustainable over time.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

AsylumWorks seeks one (1) applicant to participate in a full-time, paid fellowship program that combines professional development with on-the-job direct service. This fellow will support the provision of limited scope legal services to AsylumWorks clients under the functional supervision of the Legal Navigation Program Manager and the technical supervision of a managing attorney, where applicable. This role will focus on the preparation, completion, and filing of legal casework to ensure clients receive timely, high-quality immigration assistance. By the end of the fellowship, participants will be prepared to advance their career in the immigration legal field.

This position will require the fellow to report to AsylumWorks’ office located in Dupont Circle five days a week during the onboarding process, approximately 12 weeks. Following the onboarding, fellows may work from the office three days a week, with an option to work from home the remaining two days per week. Upon fellowship completion, fellows may be invited to apply for full-time employment with AsylumWorks based on performance and available funding. Fellows may also be supported in applying for similar roles with peer agencies.

The position is considered temporary, exempt employment. Fellows will be scheduled to work 40 hours per week for up to one year. Fellows will begin at AsylumWorks in January 2026. This position will be formally supervised by the Legal Navigation Program Manager. Additional technical support and training will be provided by the Director of Clinical Services.

Please note this is NOT an academic role.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Fellows will receive training and supervision needed to carry out the following responsibilities:

Legal Services Support – 70% 

• Gather client intake information, conduct grant-based eligibility screenings, and inventory immigration legal needs
• Prepare and track immigration applications under supervision
• Work with clients to collect and review supporting documentation, affidavits, and personal statements.
• Provide support to staff providing direct, limited-scope representation under DOJ accreditation, focusing on humanitarian-based petitions (e.g., I-485, I-765, I-131, I-730, asylum-related filings, TPS, and other related USCIS applications).
• Communicate regularly with clients to gather information and provide updates
• Maintain accurate case files and timely data entry in the legal case management system.
• Deliver services in accordance with all relevant standards as communicated by supervisor and in accordance with AsylumWorks’ trauma-informed practice model.

Coordination & Communication – 20%

• Work alongside Health & Wellness and Employment & Education teams to ensure integrated, wraparound client support.
• Liaise with external legal partners, pro bono providers, and community organizations for coordinated legal case management and follow-up.
• Coordinate supported referrals for external legal representation as needed.
• Participate in team meetings, case review discussions, and contribute to ongoing program improvement.

Training & Learning – 10%

• Remain informed and up to date regarding immigration policy and procedural changes affecting asylum and other forms of humanitarian-based immigration relief.
• Participate in regular supervision, case review, and professional development activities.
• Contribute to the creation and refinement of legal education materials, templates, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for staff and clients.

REQUIREMENTS 

• At least 1-year of DOJ-Accredited Representative experience, OR a minimum of 1 year of experience supporting the provision of immigration legal services (i.e. paralegal, legal assistant, etc.), with asylum seekers, refugees, or other populations seeking humanitarian-based immigration relief
• Demonstrated understanding of USCIS procedures, humanitarian immigration relief, and trauma-informed client practice.
• Fluency in English and another language;
• Experience working with individuals who have experienced significant trauma and/or displacement;
• Direct experience with crisis intervention, safety planning, and case management;
• Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary, multicultural setting;
• Able to multi-task in a high-volume, fast-paced environment;
• A demonstrated awareness of cultural humility;
• Strong interpersonal communication skills;
• Computer literate; and
• An inherent desire to improve, create, and problem-solve.

SALARY

$55,000 commensurate with experience and accreditation.

BENEFITS

• AsylumWorks provides many benefits to full-time, salaried staff, including:

  • 100% Employer-Paid CareFirst Medical Insurance Plan with a vast network of healthcare coverage throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia;
  • Employer-subsidized Dental and Vision Insurance;
  • 10 days of vacation leave per year in Year 1;
  • 11 days of paid time off for Federal Holidays and the day after Thanksgiving;
  • 2 Personal Days per year;
  • 10 Medical/Sick Leave Days per year; and
  • Generous monthly tech stipend to cover costs related to mobile phone usage, data, and work-from-home equipment.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must send a resume and a cover letter to careers@asylumworks.org with the subject line: 2026 Legal Navigation Program Fellow. Please combine the resume and cover letter into one PDF. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning Tuesday, November 25th, 2025.

AsylumWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer as defined by law.