Paralegal

Position/Title: Paralegal
Work Location: Main Office & Delaware County Courthouse, Media PA
FLSA: Full Time, Exempt
Supervisor: Managing Attorney

Summary Objective: The Paralegal supports the mission of DAP by providing support to the Legal Department in a professional, accurate and efficient manner. The Paralegal position is a full-time staff member reports directly to the Managing Attorney.

Essential Functions:
• Provide administrative support to two full-time attorneys.
• Review, research and analyze referrals for Protection from Abuse, Child Custody and Child Support legal representation by reviewing in accordance with the department eligibility criteria and priorities.
• Facilitate the processing of legal referrals.
• Conduct follow-up telephone, online and in-person communication with clients.
• Create, prepare and maintain physical and electronic client files.
• Provide knowledgeable, targeted referrals to applicants when needed.
• Obtain and organize documents for court hearings.
• Draft letters, orders, pleadings, petitions, and affidavits for attorney review.
• File documents with the court.
• Communicate with Sheriff’s Department and law enforcement when needed.
• Attend court proceedings, when necessary and time allows.
• Assist with grant reporting, maintaining detailed and contemporaneous data.
• Maintain additional statistical data.
• Participate in ongoing domestic violence training.
• Collaborate with other departments to maintain a continuum of services for each client
• Attend weekly department meetings.
• Develop knowledge of relevant laws and regulations through participation in trainings, including by not limited to CLEs and other educational opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Competencies:
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a related field or Paralegal Certificate plus equivalent experience.
• Familiarity with the Protection from Abuse Process.
• Familiarity with civil and criminal court systems.
• Experience with family law preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening.
• Ability to work well independently, setting high standards of performance while assuming responsibility and accountability for successful completion of assignments or tasks.
• Ability to work well and motivate others, promoting commitment within the team to achieve goals and objectives.
• Interest in delivering trauma-informed human services for domestic violence clients in a complex environment, placing a high value on creating an environment that embraces and appreciates diversity.
• Maintain confidentiality and earn respect through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word and Outlook).
• Physical ability to move or transport supplies or other equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, potentially while ascending or descending stairs.

Work Environment
• Work is primarily performed in the main administrative office and the Delaware County Courthouse
• Ability to provide own reliable transportation.

Other Requirements:
• Successful completion of required organizational training within two weeks of hire.
• Successful completion of required ongoing organizational training.
• Satisfactory Criminal Background check(s) and other organizational required clearances.