Paralegal

Position Title: Paralegal

Department: Family Centered Legal Solutions (FCLS)

Employment Status: Full-time

Location: Jackson Office

Supervisor: Family Unit Manager

Supervises: None

Prepared: August 23, 2024

Job Summary: WTLS represents clients in civil legal matters and works with community organizations and client groups. Candidates should have a strong commitment to access for equal justice for our low-income neighbors in West Tennessee who face overwhelming problems regarding basic rights to shelter security, income security, financial security, and freedom from abuse for which there is a legal solution.

The paralegal will work under the supervision of the Family Centered Legal Solutions (FCLS) Project Manager and provide support for FCLS-funded attorneys. Under the supervision of an attorney, the paralegal will interview clients, gather project eligibility information, prepare documents, maintain case files, and perform outreach to community partners and client groups. This position is funded by the FCLS grant with Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services. The project’s focus is stabilizing the household by providing outreach, education, and holistic legal advocacy to low-income families with children. Case work focuses on family, consumer, housing, and public benefits issues. Grant positions are funded through the duration of the grant, and subsequent renewal could result in modification of job duties and responsibilities.

Duties/Responsibilities:

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following tasks:

· Under the direction of an attorney(s), interview clients and ascertain substantive elements of the clients problem.

· Meet and communicate with clients.

· Perform legal needs assessments.

· Gather project eligibility information.

· Conduct food stamp/benefit screenings.

· Maintain accurate and contemporaneous case notes.

· Draft letters, memoranda, and other documents.

· Maintain case files.

· Research, as needed.

· Distribute community education materials.

· Speak at community events.

· Perform general office work, such as filing, answering phone, and typing.

· Maintain contemporaneous timekeeping.

· Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with staff.

· Participate in staff meetings, community events, and collaboration efforts, as requested.

· Comply with program policies and regulations of the Legal Services Corporation and other funders.

· Comply with relevant portions of the Legal Services Corporation’s Performance Criteria and the American Bar Association’s Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid.

· Comply with all applicable organizational, professional, and legal requirements for confidentiality.

· Perform other duties as may reasonably be requested.

Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.   

· High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and at least 3 years of related experience; or paralegal certificate from college or technical school and at least 3 months of related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Experience working with low-income populations. 
• Ability to work independently. 
• Ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions.  
• Effective communication skills sufficient to represent clients and give public presentations, conduct training, and perform client outreach. 
• Sufficient computer skills to be able to maintain client records, prepare documents, and maintain time records as required.  
• Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Professional, and other company software packages. 

Success Factors: 

• Demonstrate a commitment to the principle of equal justice and to advocacy for low-income persons.   
• Treat clients, staff, and the public with dignity and respect.
• Appreciate the experiences and needs of people of diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrate a personal sense of empathy and integrity.
• Take ownership of projects and produce solid work products.
• Work as a member of a team and independently including willingness to help others (cooperative) and share knowledge, information, contacts, and experience.
• Address issues in a timely manner.
• Use a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
• Handle and prioritize multiple, competing demands.

Working Conditions:

· Work during office hours between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A minimum 30-minute break must be taken when at least 6 hours are worked. Work hours must be accurate and contemporaneously recorded. A flextime of work hours may be used, if approved. Your supervisor will consider the needs of the office and the preference of more senior employees before approving flextime. Work after hours or on weekends may be occasionally required.

· Work is performed primarily in an office setting and at outreach sites.

· Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

· Often communicating with people using the phone, email, video call, or in person.

· Occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.

· Travel within the WTLS service area may be necessary.

Compensation & Benefits:

· Compensation: DOE. Starting salary is $44,458. This position is a full-time position and compensation is made according to the Wage Administration Plan that became effective on August 1, 2007 (as revised on April 22, 2019).

· Benefits: Full-time benefits include the ability to participate in WTLS’ health insurance plan, dental plan, vision plan, LTD, Life Insurance, 401k retirement plan, paid Annual Leave (based on years of employment), paid Sick Leave (12 days per year), paid Holidays (12), and paid week off between Christmas and New Year.

HOW TO APPLY: Use the following link to complete application: https://wkf.ms/3AZmIUo. Applicants must include a resume, writing sample, and three references with phone numbers. Applications will be accepted, and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. No inquires accepted. Only applicants scheduled for interviews will be notified.

WTLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $44,500.00 - $52,144.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $44,500 - $52,144