Center for Children’s Advocacy (“CCA”) has a Hartford office opening for a full-time paralegal to support attorneys who represent justice-involved youth and/or youth who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. CCA works with these youth to ensure that legal entitlements, such as access to education and benefits, are met, and works to remove barriers to those entitlements. CCA is a progressive nonprofit law firm dedicated to representing children and youth and forging systemic reform on their behalf.
Responsibilities
• Maintain hard copy and electronic case files (LegalFiles case management system);
• Provide administrative support to attorneys: request and secure client records, draft letters, organize files, prepare for trainings and clinics;
• Conduct screenings and intakes of potential clients over the phone and in person;
• Maintain written and verbal communication with clients;
• Meet with parents and youth to secure benefits and obtain identification;
• Provide information and referrals to potential and existing clients in areas that CCA does not serve;
• Attend professional meetings as a representative of the organization;
• Work on special projects as needed, among other related tasks.
This position will serve youth in the Greater Hartford area and New Britain; independent travel to these areas is anticipated.
Qualifications
We are seeking a candidate who has a proven record of organizational skills and administrative excellence, and has demonstrated commitment to social justice issues. The requirements for this position are:
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills;
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to multi-task and prioritize;
• Bachelors’ degree;
• Two or more years of professional experience preferred;
• Experience with direct client contact strongly preferred;
• Knowledge of the public benefits systems a plus;
• Knowledge of and interest in social justice issues for youth a plus;
• Experience working for a legal service or social service agency preferred but not required;
• Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred;
• Car for transportation and client related travel required.
Salary/Benefits
Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience and are within the general range of salaries for public interest organizations.
Email cover letter and detailed resume to: Marisa Halm: [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.