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Job Description
Paralegal Part-Time
About Us: Volunteers of America is a national, faith-based nonprofit organization founded over 125 years ago. VOA Illinois is one of the oldest affiliates of the Volunteers of America family delivering strength-based trauma-informed, gender-responsive and culturally sensitive programs and services at the highest standards of excellence to our clients. We have never stopped reinventing our services and we continue to innovate based on our communities’ evolving needs. VOA Illinois, a certified “Great Place to Work,” fosters an organizational culture focused on faith, innovation and collaboration. Year after year VOA Illinois expands and promotes from within, holding a workforce with over 50% having experienced promotion. Check out our careers page to find more opportunities at Careers - VOA Illinois.
Position Type: This is a Part-time, in-office position and requires a 28-hour week on average. May include occasional weekend and/or evening hours as assigned.
Environment: Physical demands include sedentary work, operating a computer and other office productivity machinery with frequent communication with clients and colleagues of VOA Illinois and others involved in the care and custody of clients. The individual hired must be able to move, traverse and travel in the community in a vehicle, assist clients in and out of a vehicle if necessary and transport clients in the community. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
Core Competencies: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to meet or exceed the following;
- Drive engagement and communication with clients that embodies empathy, patience and emotional intelligence.
- Conducts home visits minimally once monthly for each assigned case.
- Advocate for clients using active listening to determine resources and meet various needs.
- Collaborate with VOA colleagues, outside organizations or vendors, etc. to connect clients and obtain necessary resources.
- Display discipline in managing time and attention to assigned caseload, tasks or projects.
- Exercise prudent stewardship of agency resources.
- Exhibit cultural competence while serving clients of diverse backgrounds and commit to expanding knowledge and understanding of different communities and people groups.
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior at all times.
- Engage with trauma-informed care approach and practice principles.
- Recognize and display ability to de-escalate and resolve conflict as necessary.
Program Overview: The Legal Services for Homeless Veterans (LSV-H) program supports veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness by addressing legal barriers that impact housing stability, income security, safety, and access to care. The program provides legal assistance in areas such as housing and eviction matters, income support, criminal defense, protective orders related to domestic violence or intimate partner violence, consumer law, and access to health care. LSV-H delivers services through on-site legal clinics at the Hines VA Medical Center and multiple Hope Manor properties, allowing the team to meet veterans directly where they live and receive care. The program serves veterans across Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, and Will County, with a focus on promoting long-term stability and self-sufficiency through accessible, veteran-centered legal support.
Essential Functions: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The functions listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Provide comprehensive paralegal support to attorneys under the direction of the VOA General Counsel.
- Conduct legal research and gather pertinent information to support case preparation and legal strategy. Conducts home visits minimally once monthly for each assigned case.
- Draft, review, and format legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and correspondence.
- Organize, maintain, and update case files to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with legal requirements.
- Serve as a point of contact for veteran clients, managing communications and responding to inquiries in a professional and timely manner.
- Assist attorneys in preparing for trials, hearings, meetings, and client consultations.
- Monitor and maintain case schedules and deadlines to ensure timely filing and submission of legal documents.
- Perform administrative and clerical duties necessary to support the efficient operation of the legal office.
- Collaborate with attorneys and support staff to ensure effective case management and high-quality client service.
Other Duties: As assigned by supervisor.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies or related field; Paralegal certification preferred.
- Proven experience as a paralegal, preferably in a non-profit or social services setting.
- Strong understanding of legal procedures and terminology. Experience in service management, including organizing, problem solving, and advocating.
- Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills. Ability to communicate effectively and maintain good relations with clients and employees.
- Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Proficient in using legal research databases and case management software.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with clients and staff.
- Commitment to serving veterans and supporting the mission of VOA.
Compensation and Benefits: Base Hourly Range: $31.25 - $37.50
- 403b/403b Matching
- Paid-Time Off
