Intake Paralegal, Re-entry Unit CLA

Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation • Boston, MA

269d • $51,840 • Hybrid

About The Position

Community Legal Aid (CLA) is the non-profit legal services program providing free civil legal assistance to low-income and elderly residents of central and western Mass. CLA has over 180 dedicated, talented staff working across multiple offices. Our core work includes effective client-centered advocacy and robust outreach to and partnerships with our client communities. CLA seeks an intake paralegal to work in its criminal records and re-entry unit, whose advocates help formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals with a history of criminal court involvement overcome the civil legal consequences of the criminal court system. The unit assists individuals with sealing, expunging, or correcting their Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI). The unit also assists individuals facing housing and employment denials due to criminal records issues, as well as other civil legal issues. Under the direction of CLA attorneys, the intake paralegal will interview prospective clients; assess client eligibility; gather client documents and evidence in support of clients' claims for relief; record client information using CLA's computerized record-keeping system; attend and participate in scheduled unit meetings; assist attorneys with client communications, and, when appropriate, provide advice or make referrals to other resources. The intake paralegal will also be responsible for on-site intake hours at community partner locations throughout our service area. The intake paralegal will be based in CLA's Springfield office. The position may be full-time or part-time.

Requirements

• Fluency in Spanish is required.
• College degree and/or paralegal certificate preferred.
• Capacity to identify and analyze legal and other problems.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Interview prospective clients.
• Assess client eligibility.
• Gather client documents and evidence in support of clients' claims for relief.
• Record client information using CLA's computerized record-keeping system.
• Attend and participate in scheduled unit meetings.
• Assist attorneys with client communications.
• Provide advice or make referrals to other resources when appropriate.
• Conduct on-site intake hours at community partner locations.

Benefits

• 401(k) with employer-paid contribution.
• Low-cost health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents.
• Paid leave (4 weeks vacation, 3 personal days, 12 sick days, and 13 holidays).
• Relocation stipend.
• Hybrid work environment requiring in-office work at least three days per week.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree