Paralegal

Michigan Advocacy Program•Ypsilanti, MI

26d•Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM) is seeking a Paralegal to assist their Medical Legal Partnership (MLP) team in Washtenaw County with anti-poverty advocacy. This role involves supporting the MLP lead attorney with projects and advocacy aimed at improving social determinants of health and increasing access to justice. The Paralegal will work with patients from the Ypsilanti Health Clinic who have civil legal needs, meeting them in various community settings. The position is based in downtown Ypsilanti, with potential for meetings and events throughout Washtenaw County. Key responsibilities include completing intakes, tracking data, coordinating with medical and social work staff, and other administrative tasks for the MLP. LSSCM is a division of the Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP), which has provided civil legal aid for over 50 years, focusing on homelessness prevention, domestic violence and elder abuse prevention, and assistance with healthcare, food, and income programs. The YHC-LSSCM MLP integrates civil legal aid into healthcare settings to address health-harming social and legal needs, including housing instability, unsafe living conditions, public benefits access, and special education challenges.

Requirements

Paralegal studies certificate or degree, some college, or at least 3 years of relevant post-high-school work experience.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income and underserved communities with patience, empathy, and sensitivity.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, time-management, and computer skills.
Knowledge and understanding of the civil legal system, especially as it affects clients.
Shared goal of using legal advocacy to effect systemic change.

Nice To Haves

Relevant life experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Client intakes and case investigations, including possible home-visits to MLP clients.
Casework support, including preparing correspondence and routine legal filings, conducting legal and factual research, drafting memos, and assisting with discovery and trial preparation.
Representation of clients at administrative hearings and school meetings.
Providing resources and referral information to the public, including creating community legal education materials.
Serving as liaison with courts, medical staff, community partners, and volunteers.
Administrative support, including tracking data for evaluation and grant reporting.

Benefits

Life insurance
Short and long term disability insurance
Health insurance
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Flexible spending accounts
Option for annual $1,500 payout if applicant does not require health benefits
3 weeks paid vacation accrued in the first year
15 paid holidays
401K retirement plan including employer match for eligible staff after 6 months of employment
Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness