Job Description
Job DescriptionWomen Against Abuse (WAA), Philadelphia's leading domestic violence advocate and service provider, and among the largest domestic violence agencies in the country serving 2 Safe Havens, 15 Transitional Housing apartments, Legal Services, Hotline Counseling, Aftercare Community-Based services, Prevention & Education, and Advocacy is looking for an Intake Paralegal within our Legal Center!
Responsibilities:
Provide paralegal services and support to an assigned group of clients and assist WAA attorneys in: preparations of client files, cases in litigation, drafting and filing of pleadings and related documents for emergency services in accordance with the Victims of Criminal Act federal guidelines. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Develop updates, maintain files, demographic information and other documents. Develop written information materials for clients, explaining various processes that protect their rights. Complete and submit required reports and other written documents and oversee the work of students and volunteers as assigned. Act as a liaison to current or potential clients providing intake, information legal options, referral and follow-up service. Provide advocacy to clients in civil court, municipal court and criminal court, as assigned. At times, may accompany clients to trail hearings. Perform in-depth interviewing of clients/potential and serve as a liaison with WAA residential programs and various Court units as assigned on behalf of WAA clients. Work collaboratively with Court to ensure protection of client rights. Facilitate client groups and ensure proper connection and reporting of related data. All responsibilities are expected to be delivered satisfactorily according to Agency standards.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
- Experience in legal services and/or advocacy, required.
- Demonstrated proficiency in communication, both verbal and written, required.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population, required.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member, required.
- Demonstrated commitment to service of others, required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous Paralegal experience, preferred.
- Previous experience in a non-profit environment, preferred.
- Previous experience working with survivors of domestic violence, preferred.
- Knowledge in the dynamics of trauma, preferred.
- Strong multi-tasking skills and a genuine effective manner, preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to organizational time and details, including keeping of records, preferred.
- Bilingual or Conversational in another language in addition to English, preferred.
- Recent PA Child Abuse, Criminal and FBI clearances, preferred; If not obtained, must satisfactorily pass criminal (state & FBI) and child abuse clearances, Post Offer*
Benefits:
Health Insurance - Medical, Vision & Dental (No Deductibles), Generous PTO - Vacation, Holiday, Sick, and Personal, Annual Increases, Years of Service Recognition Increases (every 2 years of continuous service), EAP Employee Assistance Program (self and household members) & more.
Schedule:
Monday - Friday 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM
Pay Rate:
$19.51 an hour
Location:
Center City, Philadelphia, PA
The mission of WAA is to provide quality, compassionate and non-judgmental services in a manner that fosters self-respect and independence in persons experiencing intimate partner violence through advocacy and community education. WAA’s Core Values are Safety, Empowerment, Strength, Hope, Respect, and Integrity and we are committed to a work environment built on honesty, transparency, teamwork, accountability, and a high level of professionalism.
We are an equal opportunity employer and are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color, LGBTQ communities, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.
Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM