Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. · 13 hours ago
Paralegal (Domestic Violence)
West Palm Beach, FL
Full-time
Hybrid
Entry Level
1+ years expThe Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County is a nonprofit charitable law firm dedicated to ensuring equal access to the justice system for the low-income, disadvantaged and traditionally underserved residents of Palm Beach County. The Paralegal will assist pro se litigants in drafting legally sufficient injunction pleadings and provide guidance on the injunction process while maintaining accurate case files and supporting the Domestic Violence Project's mission.
CommunitiesConsultingLegalProfessional Services
Responsibilities
Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish is a requirement. Must have English and Spanish proficiency with the ability to perform client intakes and drafting in English or Spanish with equal aptitude. Translations of documents or writings from Spanish to English and English to Spanish will be required. Spanish fluency will be tested
Under supervision of the supervising attorney or unit attorneys, advise •pro se• litigants on the type of injunction petition appropriate for their safety needs and legal standing requirements in Florida
Assist •pro se• litigants in completing injunction petitions and related paperwork, including Family Law Financial Affidavits, UCCJEA Affidavits, Notices of Related Cases, Civil Date of Birth Forms, Case Information Sheets, Supplemental Affidavits and motions. Assist •pro se• litigants in crafting a detailed and compelling narrative describing the relevant legal circumstances that led to the filing of an injunction petition
Advise •pro se• litigants about the injunction process and refers cases to the Domestic Violence Project at Legal Aid Society for representation in court
Works closely with Domestic Violence Project paralegals and attorneys to ensure seamless holistic assessment of client needs related to representation
Referral of litigants to Legal Aid Society or other agencies for further assistance, as appropriate
Assess •pro se• litigants’ holistic needs related to the injunction request including appropriate emotional support
Has an understanding of, and is willing to receive, training on the dynamics of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, sexual violence, dating violence and related issues
Maintain accurate and complete electronic case files, hourly billing and statistical data
Opens/closes client files and maintains files in the case management system with client intakes, case-notes, client communications, billable hours and demographic information. Close attention to detail is required
Maintain confidentiality of all information
Performs client intake, usually telephonic, in English and Spanish. Answer and return client phone calls in English and Spanish. § Complete required timesheets and online timekeeping
Provide community education, training and outreach where needed
Develop and maintain relationships with social service agencies and community stakeholders. Attend meetings and actively participate in councils, community collaboratives and committees dedicated to survivor advocacy
Attend staff and unit meetings
Comply with all agency and unit policies and procedures
Work with other staff members to form a positive, supportive team atmosphere
Work required hours to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks and be punctual and timely in meeting all performance requirements
Maintain courteous, professional and effective working relationships with employees and clients of the organization
Assists the Executive Director and Supervising Attorney with special projects, community events, assignments and any additional duties as deemed appropriate
Qualification
Required
Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish is a requirement
Must have English and Spanish proficiency with the ability to perform client intakes and drafting in English or Spanish with equal aptitude
Translations of documents or writings from Spanish to English and English to Spanish will be required
Associate's degree (A.A.) or higher; or a minimum of one year of related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, in English and Spanish
Computer literacy; excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to work within a case management system
Ability to independently handle a large, diverse and fast-paced caseload
High level of organizational skill with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively and work independently
Proficiency in spelling, punctuation and grammar in English and Spanish
Good judgment, organization, efficiency and problem-solving skills
Excellent networking and relationship-building skills
Compassionate and comfortable working with a diverse client base
Dependable, motivated, organized, self-starter
Ability to work under pressure and make informed decisions
Capacity to learn and adapt
Dependability, initiative, motivation and concern for clients' interests
Ability to work well with others and strong, positive interpersonal skills
High ethical standards
Benefits
Vacation leave earnings equal 2.4 weeks a year (beginning the first of the month after 30 days of employment) and increases to 3 weeks a year after two years of employment.
Sick leave earnings equal 2.4 weeks a year (beginning the first of the month after 30 days of employment).
13-15 paid holidays per year (depending on court schedule).
Health, dental and vision insurance (beginning first of the month after 30 days of employment).
Employer paid short-term disability/long-term disability and life insurance (beginning first of the month after 30 days of employment).
Employer matches up to 5% of 401K plan contribution (eligible after one year of service).
Salary paid bi-weekly by direct deposit.
Mileage and reimbursements processed weekly.
Company
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc.
The Legal Aid Society was founded in 1949 with a mission of providing equal access to our judicial system to the disadvantaged living in Palm Beach County.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase