Paralegal - Housing - Legal Aid Chicago

Legal Aid Chicago is hiring a full-time paralegal in the Housing Practice Group to primarily support its work in the Early Resolution Program. Paralegals work alongside attorneys and directly with clients on legal issues. This position will work directly with clients, involve court-based intake, and otherwise further the administration of justice. The start date for this position is as soon as possible.

The Housing Practice Group (HPG) seeks to ensure that tenants live in decent, safe, and sanitary housing, free from discrimination and affirmatively furthers fair housing through litigation, negotiation, and advocacy in various venues. HPG defends tenants – mostly subsidized housing residents – against unwarranted evictions and represents individuals and families who are facing the termination of their housing subsidies. HPG is a partner in the Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD) Early Resolution Program (ERP) providing limited assistance to tenants in Cook County to advise them of their rights, provide referrals, and assist them in reaching agreements with their landlord. HPG is also a partner in the City of Chicago Right to Counsel Program.

Legal Aid Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. Our office, located in downtown Chicago at 200 N. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible and has convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. This position requires residency in the Chicago metropolitan area of Illinois. This position may require travel to court or other outreach events.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth operations of the early resolution program client registration
• Conduct intake and comprehensive legal screening for new clients
• Assist with providing brief services to clients including obtaining documents, sending client correspondence, assisting with court filings and communicating on their behalf
• Engage and provide administrative support to staff
• Track data related to grant and assist on related reporting
• Attend training and maintain up-to-date knowledge on relevant issues
• Make appropriate referrals inside Legal Aid Chicago and to external partners
• Maintain case files and accurate timekeeping in electronic case management system
• Other duties as determined by the Supervising Attorneys and Director.

Qualifications

Legal Aid Chicago encourages applications from individuals with relevant experience, particularly those who have direct experience with communities we serve or perspectives that help us understand and serve our clients better.

• Undergraduate degree strongly preferred
• Computer proficiency, including familiarity with Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• The ability to work well under pressure, and to learn and retain new information
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and to draft documents including letters and basic pleadings is essential
• The ability to quickly and thoroughly gather information from clients and then summarize it concisely
• Demonstrated interest or experience working with Legal Aid Chicago’s client communities
• The applicant’s personal background, experience, or professional background should reflect an ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations with clients, co-workers, volunteers, and the community we serve

Pay

This position is part of the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. The Collective Bargaining Agreement sets employment terms and compensation is determined by the CBA salary scale, based on paid experience. The budgeted salary range for this position is $46,675-$51,428, which reflects 0-10 years of paid, credited experience. Bilingual paralegals are eligible for an additional stipend.

Benefits

Legal Aid Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment
• Time Off: 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment
• 19 paid holidays, including four (4) floating holidays
• Twelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the salary after six months of employment
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution after one year of employment
• $50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no cost
• Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost
• Monthly internet stipend
• Legal Aid Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program