Belen Hunter
San Marcos,CA
Summary
Dedicated and mission-driven professional committed to continuous learning and growth, with a strong foundation in legal support, contract coordination, and public service. Motivated by a deep commitment to advancing access to justice, particularly for vulnerable populations, through organized, compliant, and compassionate service delivery. Known for cultivating strong partnerships, managing complex caseloads, and supporting operational excellence in high-stakes environments. Eager to bring this experience into a contract administration role that values integrity, precision, and impact.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Paralegal
American Bar Association- IJP
03.2024 - Current
- Assist attorneys in trial preparation and immigration application processes
- Monitor schedules meticulously to ensure compliance with court deadlines
- Maintain current knowledge of legal developments through continuing education and industry events
- Cultivate a robust network of industry professionals to enhance collaboration on cases
- Liaise with external partners and volunteers, assign resources, and support clinic coordination
- Facilitate communication of essential information to clients via phone, email, and mail
- Source and onboard interpreter volunteers, assigning them effectively to attorneys.
Migrant Shelter Supervisor
Catholic Charities of San Diego
11.2023 - 03.2024
- Managed operational compliance for state-funded shelter, interfacing with CBP, ICE, and medical partners.
- Assigned tasks and monitored quality across case managers, and other staff to meet performance benchmarks.
- Submitted state reports and ensured legal and regulatory deadlines were met with accuracy.
- Manage all facets of operations for 100-300+ clients a day, including transportation coordination, scheduling, check-in/check-out procedures, client travel arrangements, meal ordering, credit card transactions, and medical care, to ensure a harmonious and well-functioning system.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the organization's mission by aiding clients in need, reflecting the core values of the team.
Migrant Case Manager
Catholic Charities of San Diego
01.2023 - 11.2023
- Oversaw client records and ensured data accuracy for 500+ asylum-seeking clients under tight deadlines
- Organized and maintained confidential client records
- Ensured accurate documentation of client interactions and case notes
- Reviewed sensitive documents and coordinated client departures based on organizational compliance
- Diverted 100–200 clients per day to community facilities when capacity was exceeded
- Collaborated with fellow case managers to fulfill responsibilities and advance the program’s mission
Case Aide
Holy Family Institute
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Ensured documentation was completed efficiently and in a timely manner
- Facilitated legal meetings between unaccompanied minors and paralegals, ensuring all documentation aligned with ORR guidelines
- Translated compliance training documents and processed encrypted legal files
- Maintained detailed logs of daily activity for audits and legal reference
- Conducted internet background checks and sex-offender checks, and reviewed sensitive documents to coordinate departures based on shelter compliance
Behavioral Health Technician
Achieving True Self
03.2021 - 02.2022
- Recorded data throughout sessions and provided detailed notes on behavioral skills used to accomplish client- and family-centered goals.
- Established rapport with diverse populations by utilizing strong cultural competence skills during interactions with both patients and their families.
- Adhered to strict confidentiality guidelines while managing sensitive patient information, maintaining privacy and trust among clients.
- Maintained appropriate boundaries with clients and families.
- Provided crisis intervention services, successfully de-escalating situations and ensuring patient safety.
- Implemented therapeutic activities that promoted skill-building, self-awareness, and healthy coping mechanisms.
Youth Care Worker
Holy Family Institute
10.2021 - 01.2022
- Milieu management of Unaccompanied Minors during daily programming hours.
- Ensured an optimal environment by performing general housekeeping tasks and keeping Unaccompanied Minors in sight at all times.
- Thoroughly documented Unaccompanied Minors activities in 30- and 15-minute increments.
- Ensured documentation is complete in an efficient and timely manner.
- Explained initial admission paperwork to Unaccompanied Minors and carefully ensuring they understand their rights, roles, and purpose.
- Exemplified a trauma informed culture and a non-judgmental safe environment for Unaccompanied minors and staff.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Utah Valley University
OremSkills
- Active listener
- Detailed oriented
- Conflict Resolution
- Constructive problem solver
- Proficient written and oral communication skills
- Computer literate
- CPR/First Aid Certification
Accomplishments
New York Production Alliance Member Organization Scholarship (NYPA)
LANGUAGES
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Portuguese
Limited Working
Certification
- Villanova University, Villanova Interdisciplinary Immigration Studies Training for Advocates: Module 2: Immigrant Advocacy
- Villanova University, Villanova Interdisciplinary Immigration Studies Training for Advocates: Module 1: Immigrant Accompaniment
Timeline
Senior Paralegal
American Bar Association- IJP
03.2024 - Current
Migrant Shelter Supervisor
Catholic Charities of San Diego
11.2023 - 03.2024
Migrant Case Manager
Catholic Charities of San Diego
01.2023 - 11.2023
Case Aide
Holy Family Institute
01.2022 - 05.2022
Youth Care Worker
Holy Family Institute
10.2021 - 01.2022
Behavioral Health Technician
Achieving True Self
03.2021 - 02.2022
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Utah Valley University
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