Job Description
Description:
Florida Rural Legal Services Inc seeks a Paralegal to provide support for its Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic and General Practice Legal projects. The Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic assists people at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines to contest adverse tax decisions.
For this position, the Paralegal will be responsible for:
Maintaining client information in a database
Conducting intakes
Communicating successfully and respectfully with clients by any available verbal or written means
Collection of client data
Drafting correspondence and preparing other written materials
Providing litigation support.
Essential Functions.
1. Interviews, confirms, eligibility, crime, case facts& legal problem of victim, updates client data base with necessary information for reporting. 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.
2. 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.
3. Participates in case acceptance & other office meetings to determine strategies for client services.
4. Provides documentation, statistical information and other records as required by the grant.
5. Participates in training to keep up CLEs relevant to the various areas of the law necessary to zealously represent victims.
6. Conduct outreach
7. Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
1. Paralegal degree or certification.
2. Knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS 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 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 include: 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 within the staff and the community served by FRLS.
Proficiency in Spanish/Creole is a plus. Applicants will be subject to a background check.
Physical Requirements:
1. This is a largely sedentary role, however, some lifting of office supplies up to 20 pounds may be required.
2. Must be able to travel throughout Florida, as needed.
Direct Reports:
None
Reports to:
LITC Director
EEOC Statement:
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc., does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other characteristic protected by federal, state of local law.
Requirements: