Intake Paralegal
Community Legal Services, Inc. of Philadelphia is a non-profit public interest agency providing free civil legal services to low-income Philadelphia residents. As the largest provider of free civil legal services in the Philadelphia area, CLS is both locally and nationally renowned as a premier legal services provider dedicated to ensuring access to justice for all low-income individuals and communities. CLS has eight legal units covering a wide range of civil legal services.
CLS is seeking an Intake Paralegal for the 1424 office location. This is a full-time position where the primary responsibilities are interviewing new clients and collecting information for case handlers in the morning and early afternoon. In the afternoons when intake duties are concluded, the intake paralegal will assist on substantive cases and administrative work. The ideal candidate will possess excellent knowledge of CLS practice areas and knowledge of other community resources for appropriate referrals. In addition to the primary responsibilities listed below, intake paralegals also discover the relevant facts and draft thorough memoranda for the case handlers, negotiate favorable outcomes for clients, and give advice under the supervision of attorneys. Aptitude for or demonstrated skill in client interviewing and oral advocacy are required.
This is a full-time position covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Community Legal Services, Inc. (CLS) and the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, AFL-CIO and its affiliate District 1199C. The current minimum entry-level salary is $33, 300 and is subject to change according to the provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement. Raises and benefits are also governed by that agreement.
Community Legal Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. CLS, Inc. does not discriminate in the selection of employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, genetics, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, CLS complies with all applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Required Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Strong writing skills
- High computer literacy and willingness to learn new technology and systems
- Strong ability to learn complex material quickly
- Demonstrated initiative
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact well in a multi-cultural environment
- Willingness to assist on substantive cases and administrative matters
- Ability to welcome new clients from many different backgrounds and quickly establish trust to discuss highly personal and sensitive topics
- Demonstrated commitment to social and economic justice
Preferred Qualifications: Four-year college degree. Experience with a social services agency or a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of the poor. Fluency in Spanish and/or another language.
To Apply: CLS will accept applications until June 25, 2018. You can submit your application on CLS’s website online at: https://clsphila.org/about-cls/available-positions/
What to Include in your application:
Please include a cover letter, resume, three professional references and one brief writing sample (10 pages or less). If you fail to submit the requested materials, your application will not be considered. Community Legal Services values a diverse work environment and strongly encourages women, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ, people with disabilities, people who have experienced poverty or homelessness and people who have had prior contact with the juvenile, criminal, or child welfare systems to apply. CLS invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and legal services practice