North Philadelphia Law Center (NPLC) Intake Paralegal

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Job location
1410 W. Erie Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19140
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
Street address: 
1424 Chestnut Street
City: 
Philadelphia
State: 
Pennsylvania
ZIP: 
19102
Job type: 
Legal - Civil
Position Description: 

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 North Philadelphia Law Center location. This is a full-time position where the primary responsibilities are interviewing new clients and collecting information for case handlers. 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 drafting thorough memoranda for the case handlers, negotiating favorable outcomes for clients, and giving 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. CLS asks for a minimum two-year commitment from individuals who accept an offer of employment for a paralegal position. The current minimum starting salary is $32,500 for entry-level applicants but that salary is subject to change or adjustment if an applicant has relevant years of experience and according to the provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement. Raises and benefits are also governed by that agreement.

Requirements: 

Required Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED. Strong writing skills, computer literacy, the ability to learn complex material quickly, initiative, strong 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 in legislative or administrative advocacy, or 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 on a rolling basis until the position has been filled. 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). 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.

Notes: 
Community Legal Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of all diverse backgrounds to apply. 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 and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Submission deadline: 
Tuesday, October 24, 2017