Intake Paralegal (2024)

Community Legal Services, Inc. of Philadelphia (CLS) is a non-profit public interest agency providing free civil legal services to low-income Philadelphia residents. As the largest provider of free civil legal services in the Philadelphia area, CLS is both locally and nationally renowned as a premier legal services provider dedicated to ensuring access to justice for all low-income individuals and communities.

CLS is seeking an Intake paralegal. This is a full-time position that will involve the following responsibilities:

1. Walk-In Intake- In accordance with CLS’s hybrid work policy, the Intake paralegal will be responsible for being in the office two (2) days per week - on Mondays and Wednesdays, which are the designated Walk-In Intake days for the Intake Unit. Two full business days in the office is a minimum, not a maximum. If the paralegal is needed in the office for an additional day or partial day to meet client or unit obligations, they will need to be available to come into the office.  During Walk-In Intake, the paralegal will be responsible for interviewing new clients, collecting all required Intake data, entering information in Legal Server, making appropriate referrals for clients and visitors and scanning and uploading case documents.  There are times when Intake paralegals may be asked to report to another CLS office to assist with Walk-In intake in the event of staffing shortages. 
2.  Hotline Intake Staffing- The Intake Paralegal is responsible for staffing a live Intake Hotline from 9am-12pm Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.  While staffing the Hotline, the Intake Paralegal will be responsible for performing the same functions as they would on Walk-In Intake.
3.  Telephone Intake- The Intake paralegal will be responsible for completing call backs to callers that have left voicemail messages for assistance. While completing callbacks, the Intake paralegal will be responsible for the same duties as they would for Walk-In Intake and the Hotline.  In addition, the Intake paralegal will be responsible for maintaining and updating the Intake Unit Call List daily to accurately reflect the status of each callback.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The job duties and responsibilities necessary for this position include:

• Knowledge of CLS practice areas
• Knowledge of other community resources for appropriate referrals
• Interviewing clients
• Obtaining the relevant case facts and drafting thorough memoranda and notes for the case handler
• Negotiating favorable outcomes for clients
• Providing client advice under the supervision of attorneys

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and abilities:

• Aptitude for or demonstrated skill in client interviewing
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills
• Compassion and understanding for clients who are often dealing with significant levels of stress
• Ability to learn a large volume of complex material quickly, initiative, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to interact well in a multi-cultural environment
• Willingness and motivation to assist on substantive cases and administrative matters
• Reliable and consistent attendance on CLS walk-in Intake days

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Strong writing skills
• Computer literacy

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Four-year college degree
• Experience in legislative or administrative advocacy, or experience with a social services agency or a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of the poor
• Fluency in Spanish, including the ability to read and write fluently and accurately is preferred, but not required
• Providing client advice under the supervision of attorneys

To Apply: CLS will accept applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. But applicants should apply by Thursday, September 19, 2024, to receive first round consideration. You can submit your application on CLS’s website online at https://clsphila.org/careers/ OR submit your application below by clicking "Apply Now".

What to Include in your application: Please include a cover letter, resume, three professional references from current or former supervisors, and one brief writing sample (10 pages or less). 

CLS values a diverse work environment and strongly encourages women, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ, people with disabilities, people who have experienced poverty or homelessness and people who have had prior contact with the juvenile, criminal, or child welfare systems to apply. CLS invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and legal services practice. 

This is a full-time position covered by the collective bargaining agreement between CLS and the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, AFL-CIO and its affiliate District 1199C. CLS asks for a minimum two-year commitment from individuals who accept an offer of employment for a paralegal position. The current minimum starting salary is $45,970 for entry-level applicants but that salary is subject to change or adjustment if an applicant has relevant years of experience and according to the provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement. Raises and benefits are also governed by that agreement. 

CLS offers a very generous and competitive benefits package including 100% employer paid medical, life, and short/long-term disability benefits, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, and generous leave package.  

Community Legal Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. CLS, Inc. does not discriminate in the selection of employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, genetics, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.  In addition to federal law requirements, CLS complies with all applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.