Legal Aid Intake Paralegal: Family Law (Worcester or Fitchburg)

Community Legal Aid (CLA) is the non-profit legal services program providing free civil legal assistance to low-income and elderly residents of central and western Mass. CLA has over 180 dedicated, talented staff working across multiple offices. Our core work includes effective client-centered advocacy and robust outreach to and partnerships with our client communities.

CLA seeks an intake paralegal to work in its family law unit, whose advocates provide legal assistance in domestic relations cases to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Under the direction of CLA attorneys, the intake paralegal will interview prospective clients; assess client eligibility; gather client documents and evidence in support of clients' claims for relief; record client information using CLA's computerized record-keeping system; attend and participate in scheduled unit meetings; assist attorneys with client communications, including providing Spanish-English interpretation and translation; and, when appropriate, provide advice or make referrals to other resources. The intake paralegal will be based in CLA's Worcester or Fitchburg office and, if based in Fitchburg, will spend part of each work week in the Worcester office. The position may be full-time or part-time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• College degree and/or paralegal certificate preferred.
• Capacity to identify and analyze legal and other problems.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment where clients often need immediate support.
• The ability to work cooperatively in a team is essential.
• Fluency in English and Spanish is required, and additional fluency in Portuguese is a plus.
• A demonstrated sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse backgrounds, and commitment to working with low-income communities.

COMPENSATION: The starting salary for this position is $51,840, which is based on a union scale and adjusted upward depending on experience. CLA offers a very generous benefits package that includes 401(k) with employer-paid contribution; low-cost health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents; malpractice insurance; paid leave (4 weeks vacation, 3 personal days, 12 sick days, and 13 holidays); and relocation stipend. CLA has a hybrid work environment and requires advocates to work in the office at least three days per week.

Please submit resume and cover letter, including your office preference, if any, to avaughan@cla-ma.org or mail to Alicia Vaughan, Human Resources Director, Community Legal Aid, 370 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608. CLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to ensure that our staff members reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

Salary : $51,840