What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paralegal position at Metrowest Legal Services?
JOB TITLE: FAMILY PRESERVATION PROJECT PARALEGAL
REPORTS TO: Supervising Attorney
POSITION STATUS: Full-time, nonexempt
OVERVIEW:
Founded in 1976, MetroWest Legal Services provides free civil legal services to protect and advance the rights?and the well-being of people living in poverty, people aged 60 years and older, people with disabilities, and otherwise disenfranchised individuals living in the communities we serve. MWLS seeks a paralegal who will be part of a team launching a new project in MWLS’ service area to help parents who are involved with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF). The goal of the Family Preservation Project (FPP) is to ensure that families get the help they need addressing issues of concern to DCF so that DCF does not remove the children from their home. This project aims to keep children safe with their families, minimize the emotional trauma caused by removal, and allow the foster care system to focus its resources on children who truly need its protection. MWLS is committed to providing a welcoming, equitable and inclusive workplace and encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds to apply for positions.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Programmatic
1. In partnership with the attorney and parent partner, the Paralegal will help to launch a new MWLS project to provide civil legal aid to families who have open cases with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF).
2. Conduct strength-based intakes to determine points of vulnerability and areas of legal advocacy.
3. In partnership with the attorney, provide case management assistance and follow-up with team members and clients on tasks. 4. Help facilitate weekly FPP team meetings and keep detailed notes.
5. Assist the attorney in drafting legal documents and performing research.
6. May help clients schedule health and other appointments, enroll children in school, and assist with applications for government benefit and housing programs.
7. Contribute to the development of program materials for the Family Preservation Project, including outreach PowerPoint presentations.
8. Participate in statewide legal services coalition groups focused on issues related to child welfare law and related matters and participate in training or other programs related to FPP.
9. Performs additional duties as assigned.
Organizational
10. Attend and participate in agency-wide staff meetings, unit meetings, case conferences and other ad hoc or ongoing staff meetings.
11. As directed, make presentations to staff and to the MWLS Board of Directors.
12. Participate in professional development activities, such as conferences, workshops, trainings, etc.
13. Work collaboratively with others on staff to promote effective communication, coordination and teamwork.
14. Perform other duties as needed, consistent with the provision of quality client services.
Fundraising & External Relations
15. Provide data and information as requested for grant preparation and reporting.
16. Fulfill grant requirements and obligations as outlined by the individual work plan.
17. Participate in agency fundraising activities as mutually agreed upon, which agreement will not be unreasonably withheld.
18. Participate in community outreach and community education programs and activities as appropriate.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's or Associate degree or Paralegal Certificate preferred.
- 1-3 years relevant work experience interacting with survivors of trauma, abuse, neglect, and/or discrimination.
- Prior experience interacting with individuals with mental health conditions, substance abuse disorders, and/or disabilities.
- Prior experience or knowledge of the child welfare system in MA.
- Spoken fluency in Spanish or Portuguese is strongly preferred. Language competencies will be tested during the interview process.
- Commitment to race equity, anti-racism and economic justice in the workplace and in the provision of legal services.
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally with clients, community partners and other stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team; flexible and adaptable.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and deadlines; ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience and comfort working with electronic case management systems, and Microsoft 365 platform (outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to travel throughout the MWLS service area and to occasional outreach events.
- Candidates may be required to provide a writing sample as part of this hiring process.
