Paralegal

Commitment: at least 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday

Role and Responsibilities:

• Model agency core values (SPIRIT): Service, Passion, Integrity, Respect, Innovation and Teamwork.
• Client Engagement: drafting letters of engagement, returning client calls, making initial client contact and making proper internal or external referrals.
• Knowledge of the policies and procedures of Harris County and Fort Bend County Family Courts.
• Ensure files and paperwork are completed in a timely manner and stored as per agency policy.
• Cultivate community partnerships that supplement client services.
• Conduct case status calls to community agencies (such as D.A., law enforcement, etc.).
• Coordinate with process servers to ensure Respondent’s service.
• Assist attorney in the preparation of mediation, hearings, discovery, and trials.
• Correspond with opposing counsel and court staff.
• Manage court calendar.
• Provide crisis intervention and victim assistance information to clients and prospective clients face-to-face and over the phone, including referrals to the other victim assistance programs as appropriate.
• Provide accompaniment in hospitals, with law enforcement or judicial system as needed.
• Conduct and keep accurate records of follow-up meetings and calls with clients.
• Coordinate and follow up with specialized service providers (e.g., case manager, counselor, life & wellness skills advocate, etc.) to ensure the client is meeting their service goals and create their Client Service Plan.
• Be knowledgeable of community resources & provide resource options.
• Serve as an advocate on behalf of clients.
• Complete accurate, updated documentation, including advocacy activities, and maintenance of client files.
• Act as a legal advocate, which includes having a working knowledge of Texas laws pertaining to family violence/sexual assault, as well as the justice system’s response to family violence/sexual assault. Be familiar with legal services, resources, and procedures available to victims in each county where services are provided. Assist clients in safety planning and re-evaluation of the safety plan identifying legal rights and options as part of their individual service plan.
• Work with other FBWC programs staff (case managers, mental health team, emergency response advocates) to ensure expedient case resolution.
• Assist in the development of ongoing legal clinics and legal educational sessions.
• Adhere to deadlines and work on multiple projects at a time.
• Record timesheets in accordance with the grants allocation worksheets and submit them in a timely manner.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• College degree in related field.
• Certified Paralegal is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas Family Code.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Experience in Family Law; knowledge of criminal law is a plus.
• Valid Texas driver’s license and auto liability insurance as required by the State of Texas.
• Pass a criminal background check and drug screening.

Preferred Skills and competencies

• Nonprofit advocacy is a plus.
• An enthusiastic personality is a MUST! We assist those who are struggling to achieve self-sufficiency. It is a rewarding job, but one that requires a great deal of optimism.
• Previous experience working with individuals dealing with trauma (preferably domestic or sexual violence) is a plus.
• Demonstrates leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills in a manner that encourages and empowers clients to seek remedies for positive change.
• Displays ability and willingness to make appropriate decisions, respond compassionately to persons served while maintaining appropriate and professional boundaries, exhibits sound and accurate judgment, supports and explains reasoning for decisions, and includes appropriate people in the decision-making process.
• Displays original thinking and creativity by meeting challenges with resourcefulness, generating suggestions for improving work, and developing innovative approaches.
• Shows tenacity and thoroughness, with the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $55,000