Adoption Legal Service Project Paralegal

Voce • Pittsburgh, PA

2d

About The Position

The Adoption Legal Services Project (ALSP) Paralegal supports the ALSP Attorneys with addressing delays regarding children in the foster care system in Allegheny County by achieving permanency through adoption. This position is responsible for organizing, preparing, and maintaining legal documents, court schedules, case files, and research. Founded in 1996, Adoption Legal Service Project (ALSP) was formed to address delays regarding children in the foster care system in Allegheny County by achieving permanency through adoption. Partnering with the law firm of Reed Smith, ALSP represents Allegheny County OCYF in many Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) proceedings, works with the Adoptive Families to draft and file all necessary filings in order to finalize the Adoptions. In addition, ALSP has a pro bono mediation program for Post Adoption Contact Agreements with adoptive families, and interested birth relatives pursuant to Act 101 of 2010. Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Requirements

• A high school diploma with three years of related experience or an Associate’s degree in a related field is required.
• A valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• A paralegal certificate or Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Three years of work experience or general knowledge of child welfare or the legal field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepares legal documents, including the Report of Intent to Adopt, Report of Intermediary, Petition for Adoption, and Report of Fees Costs and Expenses.
• Meets with Adoptive Families to review and sign Adoption Petitions, Report of Intent to Adopt, and Report of Fees Costs and Expenses.
• Notifies CYF adoption workers to maintain timely filing of necessary adoption paperwork.
• Reviews, files, and tracks adoption filings; including adoption petitions, reports of intermediary, intent to adopt, report of fees cost and expenses, and O-91 Form.
• Prepares Adoption Finalization Packets.
• Assists with resolving barriers to timely adoption and with preparations for hearings related to adoption finalization.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance with medical spending accounts (employer contribution to the HSA if electing HDHP)
• Dental, vision, long term disability and accident insurance
• Three employer-paid benefits: short term disability insurance, life insurance and Employee Assistance Program
• Employer contribution equivalent to 6% of your salary to your 401(k)
• 13 paid holidays (including three floating holidays)
• 18 days of PTO in first year of employment
• Qualified employer participating in Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED