Paralegal and Coordinator of Outreach & Private Attorney Involvement (PAI)

Colorado Legal Services • Craig, CO

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

Colorado Legal Services (CLS) is seeking a full-time Paralegal/PAI Coordinator for its Northwest Colorado Legal Services Project (NCLSP) in Craig, Colorado. This role is crucial for managing the volunteer attorney program and facilitating legal services in underserved rural areas. The Paralegal/PAI Coordinator will recruit and support volunteer attorneys and non-attorneys, assist with client screening, coordinate pro bono clinics, and refer cases to private attorneys. Additionally, this position involves outreach to the legal community to expand the private attorney panel and to partner organizations to inform the public about CLS services. The position is based in Craig, CO, with some travel required throughout the 11-county NCLSP region, and offers one optional remote day per week. This is a unionized position covered by CLS’s collective bargaining agreement, with opportunities for career development and advancement.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to engage compassionately with applicants and teammates, while maintaining professional boundaries, confidentiality, active listening, and attention to detail.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, spreadsheets, email, and database software.
• Ability to learn new technology, including an online phone system, case management systems, file sharing software, and remote communication tools like Teams and other virtual meetings.
• Volunteer or client services experience, preferably with low-income, non-English speakers, or other vulnerable communities.
• Ability to work with a team and independently, organizing time and managing multiple tasks and deadlines with attention to detail.
• Ability to travel to participate in local Bar Association or other community meetings, outreach events, trainings, or NCLSP team activities.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of low-income persons, seniors, and non-English speakers.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual Spanish/English speaker.
• Work experience in or knowledge of the legal system.
• 1+ years of customer service or public interaction with low-income or other vulnerable communities.
• Demonstrated understanding of or experience with issues faced by marginalized communities.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, onboard, and coordinate new volunteer attorneys, LLPs, and other volunteers.
• Provide training and support to volunteers.
• Complete annual volunteer recognition activities.
• Refer appropriate cases to volunteer attorneys for pro bono and contract legal assistance.
• Manage and host a monthly telephone advice clinic staffed by pro bono attorneys and volunteer non-attorney screeners.
• Provide client follow-up and case management for approximately 8-12 cases per month for two monthly clinics.
• Monitor staff and PAI contact cases.
• Provide program compliance guidance.
• Process invoices from attorneys and maintain expenditure records.
• Respond to attorney and client questions for referred cases.
• Document volunteer work.
• Staff the Craig office in-person four days per week, managing walk-in hours, applicants, ordering office supplies, and checking mail.
• Screen phone, online, and walk-in applicants for program eligibility when appropriate.
• Cover phone intake for the Craig office and other CLS offices as needed.
• Conduct full intake interviews with accuracy, attention to detail, respect, and in accordance with case handling protocols and procedures.
• Provide paralegal and case support to NCLSP attorneys, including legal research, legal drafting, and assistance with legal procedures.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Bar Associations and other court or legal community groups to promote support for civil legal aid.
• Build relationships with local service providers and community resources through outreach and partnering events.
• Assist the Managing Attorney with grant reporting and PAI data collection for grants.
• Complete timekeeping and all other required data management responsibilities.
• Develop and maintain familiarity with basic legal terminology, legal ethics, and general legal procedures.
• Maintain a working knowledge of legal issues most often presented by CLS clients, including family law, housing law, debt law, and other legal topics.
• Communicate and participate in remote team meetings, trainings, and case reviews.
• Learn and effectively use technology, including CLS’ case management system, Zoom phones, Teams, the Court’s e-filing system, and other office and email systems.
• Collaborate with NCLSP team members and local partners to identify, research, and develop new PAI activities or programs.
• Treat all applicants with respect through compassionate and professional communication, acknowledging cultural norms and providing service in the client’s primary language.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of all information concerning applicants and clients.
• Participate in CLS trainings and conferences to maintain and develop skills, including legal knowledge, empathy with client communities, and volunteer management.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid premiums for employee health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• Partial employer-paid premiums for spouses/dependents, based on a sliding scale.
• Dependent Care and Medical Flexible spending accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• $200/month contribution to each employee's 403(b) retirement account.
• 403(b) retirement account matching of 100% of employee contributions up to 3% of employee salary.
• Generous paid time-off.
• 13 paid holidays per year.
• Career development and advancement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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