Bilingual Legal Services Department Program Paralegal

Description

Job Location : Waukegan, IL with some additional local travel

Hours : 40 hours per week 8 AM- 4:30 PM Monday-Friday

A Safe Place is seeking a compassionate Bilingual Paralegal to join our team and support our mission-driven work. We are looking for someone who has a trauma-informed approach to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and case management for clients preparing for court proceedings. The Bilingual Paralegal is responsible for providing education, support, advocacy and legal guidance for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. If you are looking for a role that helps survivors navigate a complex legal system with safety, dignity, and support, we want to hear from you!

Our Organization:

A Safe Place is the only nonprofit organization in Lake County that is exclusively dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. By supporting and empowering survivors to rebuild their lives, A Safe Place offers a variety of comprehensive resources and community education tools including Emergency Shelter, Counseling, Intervention and Prevention programs, Courthouse Advocacy, and Housing.

A Safe Place is driven by its goal of fostering a community-wide response to domestic violence and human trafficking by raising awareness and creating a safer, healthier environment for all. To learn more about our organization and the important work that we do, please visit us at https://asafeplaceforhelp.org/ .

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Courthouse Services, the Bilingual Paralegal is the liaison between the client and the legal system. They will provide referrals to services within A Safe Place and outside legal aid. They will help assist clients in preparing protective orders, accompany clients to court hearings, explain court procedures and legal options in an accessible manner.

What We Offer:

• •$50,000-$55,000 annually based on qualifications and experience
• •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

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.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• •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.

Skills & Competencies

• •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.

A Safe Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Key Words: Case Worker, Legal Assistant, Case Manager, Legal Secretary, Social Worker, Court Reporter, Legal Case Manager, Resource Specialist