Bilingual Legal Services Department Program Paralegal
About The Position
A Safe Place is seeking a compassionate Bilingual Paralegal to join their team and support their mission-driven work. This role involves providing crisis intervention, safety planning, and case management for clients preparing for court proceedings, with a trauma-informed approach. The Bilingual Paralegal will offer education, support, advocacy, and legal guidance to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, helping them navigate the legal system with safety, dignity, and support. A Safe Place is the only nonprofit organization in Lake County exclusively dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, offering comprehensive resources such as Emergency Shelter, Counseling, Intervention and Prevention programs, Courthouse Advocacy, and Housing. The organization aims to foster a community-wide response by raising awareness and creating a safer environment.
Requirements
- Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
- Paralegal certification required
- Bachelor’s degree in legal studies, social work, counseling, criminal justice, or a related field preferred.
- A high school diploma/GED with 3–5 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- Experience working with survivors of domestic violence and/or human trafficking and knowledge of trauma-informed practices.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills.
- Ability to explain legal and court processes clearly and work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and community partners.
- Commitment to survivor-centered advocacy, confidentiality, and A Safe Place’s mission.
Responsibilities
- Conduct client intake, eligibility, and needs assessments; complete required DHS, ICADV, Medicaid, and agency documentation.
- Develop individualized safety and service plans and connect clients with appropriate internal and community resources.
- Assist survivors with Orders of Protection, protective orders, and other legal documents.
- Accompany clients to court and provide trauma-informed emotional support, procedural information, advocacy, and safety planning.
- Serve as a liaison between clients and courts, prosecutors, law enforcement, legal aid, and other legal-system partners.
- Support survivors whose experiences with domestic violence or human trafficking intersect with past, current, or potential incarceration.
- Maintain accurate and confidential client records and complete data entry, statistical tracking, grant reporting, and program evaluation requirements.
- Provide client and community education regarding domestic violence, human trafficking, legal advocacy, and available resources.
- Collaborate with staff and community partners to develop bilingual English-Spanish and low-literacy educational materials.
- Participate in training, staff meetings, outreach, and other activities supporting A Safe Place’s mission.
Benefits
- Medical insurance including BCBS PPO, HSA and FSA options
- Dental and Vision insurance
- Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability programs
- Employee Assistance Program
- 401(k) plan
- Generous time off including 3 weeks of vacation and 12 sick days
- 2 floating holidays and 1 birthday PTO day
- 8 paid Holidays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
