PARALEGAL

If asked to describe the culture at Metropolitan Family Services, we could do that in one word. COMMUNITY! Reflected in both our internal culture as well as through the services we provide, community is at the heart of all we do. 

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Are you looking to have an impact on more than just a company’s bottom line? Then we’d love to hear from you!

We are now hiring for a full-time Paralegal to join our Legal Aid Society at our Headquarters office.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Support attorneys in providing legal representation of victims and survivors of human trafficking. While this position is based out of our Headquarters in Chicago, IL, the paralegal is expected to travel to other MFS sites throughout the Chicagoland area and surrounding suburbs for client meetings and other related events. 
• Interview prospective clients to gather information needed to (a) determine eligibility and commence legal work; (b) identify urgent and unusual situations; (c) facilitate the provision of legal advice; (d) and organize and implement next steps to advance a case or connect client to additional services. 
• Assist attorneys in client representation, litigation, and maintaining high volume caseload. Communicate with clients; draft pleadings, documents, and correspondence; manage court or administrative agency filing and scheduling; conduct factual investigations; gather and compile documentary and other evidence. 
• Maintain documents, data, and other information required by various funders. Ensure all case files and case data are timely and accurately updated.  
• Develop a basic knowledge of court and administrative agency practices in assigned area of work, and keeps other staff informed of developments. Help develop positive working relationships with court and agency personnel. 
• Participate in community education, service planning, and public relations activities. May participate on various committees and task forces within the agency and with outside organizations. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong writing, recordkeeping, organizational, and communications skills.
• Typing and computer operation skills sufficient to be able to draft documents.
• Ability to exercise appropriate independent judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups

QULAIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university or higher, or ABA accredited paralegal certificate, or comparable experience demonstrating working knowledge of legals systems and concepts. 
• If not already certified, upon starting, paralegal must enroll for training and receive a 40-Hour Domestic Violence Certification within 12 weeks of employment.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish preferred.

SALARY: 

• The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $48,500 and $52,500 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Satisfactorily pass all relevant screenings and background checks.

TRANSPORTAION/MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS: 

• Driving not required.
• Must have reliable transportation to travel between community sites as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle, and operate objects or controls, and occasionally stand, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, and viewing a computer terminal. 

Metropolitan Family Services puts our people first with a top-of-the-line benefits package. Find out more by clicking here!

Some highlights include:

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical Coverage, Guardian Dental Coverage, and VSP Vision Coverage.
• Metropolitan Family Services contributions of $2,000 to individual, and $4,000 to family, HSA accounts, pro-rated to your benefits start date.
• FREE General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc services provided to all team members.
• Ascensus 401K plan services with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility.

And so much more! Make sure you click here to see the full suite of benefits offered!

MORE ABOUT US:

Metropolitan is Illinois' first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 122,970 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs, and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness, and empowerment.  

Salary : $48,500 - $52,500