Administrative Assistant I - Legal Aid

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Legal Assistant delivers direct client services in family law, small claims, basic civil matters, guardianships, conservatorships, limited civil cases, and landlord-tenant issues, or refers clients to suitable external agencies when necessary. Additionally, the Administrative Assistant manages various tasks to support the office’s operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct legal aid workshops for the community.
• Perform basic legal research and complete Judicial Council forms.
• Respond to client phone inquiries and manage basic correspondence.
• Interview clients.
• Summarize and maintain case records.
• Advocate for client benefits and services.
• Collaborate with court personnel to support office operations.
• Coordinate with other agencies to gather case information.
• Prepare and organize court documents.
• Assist with service referrals and special projects.
• Obtain and copy court and office files.
• Refer clients to external agencies and services as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of records.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and build productive relationships.
• Assist with Home Tour fundraising event.
• Adhere to YMCA personnel policies, practices, salary administration plan, emergency procedures, and risk management procedures.

Reasonable accommodation will be made available to all individuals with disabilities who are able to perform the essential functions of the job.

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

Relationships:   Builds authentic relationships in the service of enhancing individual and team performance to support the Y’s work.

Communication:   Listens and expresses self effectively and in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the needs of the audience.

Developing Others:  Recognizes and acts on the need to continually develop others’ capabilities to attain the highest level of performance possible.

Inclusion:  Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence.

Innovation:   Participates in the generation, experimentation, and implementation of new approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y’s mission and work.

Quality Results:  Demonstrates and fosters a strong commitment to achieving goals in a manner that provides quality experiences.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Paralegal certificate from an ABA-accredited paralegal program (preferred)
2. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (preferred)
3. Experience as Legal Assistant/Paralegal 
4. Minimum of 1-year administrative/office experience
5. Excellent writing, verbal, organizational and computer skills
6. Experience working with children and families
7. Interpersonal and advocacy skills
8. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
9. Preferred experience in and/or commitment to advocacy on behalf of low-income people
10. 1-year of experience in a legal or other relevant work environment preferred
11. Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel & Outlook
12. Experience with Legal software
13. Proficiency in the Spanish language 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Background Check:

All offers of employment are contingent upon the meeting the minimum Association-requirement(s) established for: employment references, personal references, Fingerprinting (a search of the candidate’s criminal background history), and physical examinations where required.