About the job Paralegal Disaster Recovery
Position: Paralegal Disaster Recovery
Location: Fort Myers, FL
Duration: Full-time
Salary: DOE
Description
The purpose of this position is to provide civil legal assistance to indigent persons affected by the disasters specified and approved by the program policies and priorities on such matters as individual rights, housing, public benefits, elder law, family law, consumer rights, education, and employment law.
The Paralegal will assist in the provision of legal services to disaster recovery clients and the attorneys who are involved in the disaster recovery cases.
The Paralegal is under the supervision of the Managing Attorney and the Disaster Project Manager.
Essential Functions:
1. Interviews, confirms, eligibility, crime, case facts and legal problem of victim, updates client database with necessary information for reporting.
2. Develops goals to address effects of crime and works with client to establish service plan and timeline to achieve goals. Reassesses and revises service plan as needed; and follows-up with client to assess for additional services.
3. Provides clients with appropriate legal advice, applying the relevant law to the facts presented, and counseling the client in their pursuit of resolution of legal problems.
4. Participates in case acceptance & other office meetings to determine strategies for client services.
5. Provides documentation, statistical information and other records as required by the grant.
6. Participates in training to keep up CLEs relevant to the various areas of the law necessary to zealously represent victims.
7. Conduct outreach
8. Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
1. Paralegal degree or certification.
2. Knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the company´s mission and compassion for the clients.
3. Cultural similarity with this population and knowledge of Spanish and/or Haitian Creole is preferred.
4. Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects and colleagues.
5. Good organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
6. Ability to work collaboratively, yet independently.
7. Creativity and ability to maximize the use of existing resources.
8. Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Case Management System.
9. Must be able to effectively communicate with peers, supervisors, clients, and the public.
10. Must be able to effectively work in high pressure situations which involve deadlines.
11. Ability to carry caseloads when necessary.
Qualifications: At least three years' experience as a Paralegal is preferred but will consider exceptionally well-qualified entry-level candidates. Must be highly organized, familiar with electronic document tracking, able to use computer technology effectively, including Microsoft products and remote communications systems, including shared on-line workspaces and web meeting and videoconferencing software, and to collaborate with staff located in multiple offices. Candidates also must possess excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks, and the skills to build collaborative relationships between the staff and the community served.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities: The employee in this Paralegal position will be responsible for:
1. Maintaining client information in the database(s)
2. Conducting intakes
3. Communicating successfully and respectfully with clients by any available verbal or written means
4. Collection of client data
5. Drafting correspondence and preparing other written materials
6. Providing litigation support.
This includes support of the attorneys with client preparation, legal file documentation, pre-trial preparation, court appearances, motion practice, depositions, mediations, negotiations, and trial practice. In general terms, the Paralegal should be knowledgeable, confident, organized, disciplined, dedicated, and focused to ensure client work is handled in a competent manner.
Proficiency in Spanish/Creole is a plus. Applicants will be subject to a background check.