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If asked to describe the culture at Metropolitan Family Services, we could do that in one word. COMMUNITY! Reflected in both our internal culture as well as through the services we provide, community is at the heart of all we do
Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Are you looking to have an impact on more than just a company’s bottom line? Then we’d love to hear from you!
We are now hiring for a full-time Paralegal to join the Legal Aid Society's CP4P Justice Corps at our Headquarters office.
SALARY:
- The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $48,500 to $52,500 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Support attorneys in providing legal services and representation in expungement, family law, employment, and other case types to justice-involved adults.
- Interview prospective clients to gather information needed to (a) determine eligibility and commence legal work; (b) identify urgent and unusual situations; (c) facilitate the provision of legal advice; (d) and organize and implement next steps to advance a case or connect client to additional services.
- Assist attorneys in client representation, litigation, and maintaining high volume caseload. Communicate with clients; draft pleadings, documents, and correspondence; manage court or administrative agency filing and scheduling; conduct factual investigations; gather and compile documentary and other evidence.
- Maintain documents, data, and other information required by various funders. Ensure all case files and case data are timely and accurately updated.
- Develop a basic knowledge of court and administrative agency practices in assigned area of work, and keeps other staff informed of developments. Help develop positive working relationships with court and agency personnel.
- Participate in community education, service planning, and public relations activities. May participate on various committees and task forces within the agency and with outside organizations.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university or higher, or ABA accredited paralegal certificate, or comparable experience demonstrating working knowledge of legal systems and concepts.
- This position involves travel within the Chicagoland area. Valid driver’s license, proof of liability insurance, and a good driving record.
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Strong writing, recordkeeping, organizational, and communications skills.
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Typing and computer operation skills sufficient to be able to draft documents.
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Ability to exercise appropriate independent judgment.
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Demonstrated ability to learn new systems.
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Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Satisfactorily pass all relevant screenings and background checks.
TRANSPORTATION/MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Driving for work with a personally owned vehicle required. Travel between sites, no.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle, and operate objects or controls, and occasionally stand, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel, and crouch. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, and viewing a computer terminal.
Metropolitan Family Services puts our people first with a top-of-the-line benefits package.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of IL Medical Coverage options that support all levels of staff (including Part-Time): HMO, PPO, and HSA (PPO)
- ZERO: A free benefit for BCBS PPO members that helps find the least expensive option for medical services.
- MFS will contribute $2,000 to individual and $4,000 to family HSA Accounts through our HSA coverage, all front-loaded at the start of the year, or the start of your HSA enrollment.
- Teladoc services provided to all employees: A no-cost benefit providing general medicine and behavioral health services, no insurance necessary.
- Dental HMO and PPO options through Guardian Dental.
- VSP vision insurance with one of the largest networks in the Chicago-land area.
- Company-paid individual life insurance policy of $100,000, with a wide range of additional, employee-cost options.
- Company-paid individual Short Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance.
- Five Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options ranging from Health to Transit. Contribute your pre-tax dollars where you need them the most.
- Ascensus 401K Plan with up to a 4% Match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility.
- 12 paid Holidays.
- Starting with 15 days of PTO, maxing at 30 days after 3 years of service.
- Training and Professional Development Plan with E- Learning.
- Pet Insurance options for your furry (or non-furry) friends.
- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Free Will preparation services.
- On-staff notary available to employees.
- ALEX, AI-powered assistance that will make your benefit decisions seamless.
MORE ABOUT US:
Metropolitan is Illinois' first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 122,970 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs, and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness, and empowerment.
Salary- $48,500 - $52,500/year
