Case Handler - Community Justice Advocate

Utah Legal Services • Salt Lake City, UT

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

Utah Legal Services seeks a Case Handler to join their team. This role involves assisting with case management, document preparation, client communications, and advocacy services for qualifying Utahns facing housing-related legal issues. The Case Handler will work directly with clients to gather information, answer questions, maintain electronic case files, and ensure compliance with program requirements. When permitted within the scope of their certification or licensure, they will provide ethical and competent legal services and advocacy to low-income individuals and families, all under the supervision of the Managing Paralegal and, when appropriate, a supervising attorney.

Requirements

• Current certified Community Justice Advocate (CJA) or Licensed Paralegal Practitioner (LPP).
• Must be able to pass a Utah criminal background check.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple cases, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound professional judgment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, staff, clients, community partners, and volunteers.

Nice To Haves

• Prior legal experience preferred, particularly in housing.

Responsibilities

• Guide clients through the duration of their cases, including court filings, administrative applications, and appeals, if applicable.
• Prepare and file court and administrative agency documents within the scope of your certification or licensure and under attorney supervision when required.
• Engage in active team building and create a positive work environment.
• Participate as a member of the hiring committee as requested by the HR Director.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to staff, as invited by management.
• Maintain regular communication with clients, attorneys, court personnel, mediators, and other parties involved in a case.
• Respond to client questions and provide updates regarding case status and next steps.
• Accurately update case status, tasks, and client communications in LegalServer.
• Participate in team meetings that support collaboration, legal skills development, and professional growth.
• Contribute to a positive and supportive team environment.
• Attend meetings, mediations, hearings, trials, and other court or administrative proceedings as permitted by your certification, licensure, and applicable court rules.
• Utilize LegalServer to track time, manage client matters, monitor deadlines, and document services provided.
• Follow ULS case handling protocols, professional standards, and best practices.
• Maintain an average caseload of 60-120 cases, depending on case complexity, level of service provided, and other assigned responsibilities.
• Regularly review case status and upcoming deadlines and take appropriate action to ensure timely progress.
• Review cases for compliance with Case Service Report (CSR) requirements and properly close cases when representation concludes.
• Meet regularly with supervising attorneys to review case progress and identify legal issues requiring attorney involvement.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations and partners that support ULS's mission.
• Attend ULS staff meetings and required trainings.
• Complete applicable continuing education requirements, including CLEs and certification-related training.
• Participate in community outreach, legal clinics, educational presentations, and other activities designed to increase access to justice.
• Assist with volunteer-supported projects and programs as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employer-paid vision insurance
• Generous paid-time off (21 days per year) and increases on your first anniversary
• 13 paid holidays
• 403(b) retirement plan with a monthly employer match, plus automatic monthly contributions
• Employer-paid short and long-term disability coverage
• 4 weeks paid parental leave
• Employer monthly stipend to assist staff with benefit cost.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed