Outreach Paralegal

 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 (MFS) 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 Outreach Paralegal at our Headquarters. 

SALARY: The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $48,500 and $52,500 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• In coordination with the Managing Attorney and Outreach Coordinator, works within collaborative partnerships to develop and implement initiatives, which strengthen and support programs or services that assist or identify victims of human trafficking.
• Promotes a better understanding of anti-trafficking problem in Illinois; the recruitment methods used by traffickers; and the resources available to survivors of human trafficking through community forums and training activities.
• Engages in direct outreach events to potential victims of human trafficking.
• Works nontraditional hours, as required (evening, weekends), to participate in effective outreach.
• Travels throughout Illinois for outreach efforts.
• Organizes, schedules, publicizes, and conducts training on anti-trafficking issues. Recruits' experts on subjects related to human trafficking and trauma centered approach to interviews and working with victims, to present at trainings and other events.
• Articulates agency anti-trafficking services, programs, and goals to community leaders within the business and human services sector.
• Maintains and completes records regarding information about each outreach, training, and technical assistance activity conducted. Creates and maintains detailed records of each potential victim of trafficking identified including demographic information, type of trafficking, and steps taken to connect trafficking victim to services.
• Administers pre-post questionnaires or other tool to measure knowledge increase for training and outreach events as appropriate. Adjusts and modifies training content and training activities as needed based on results.
• Attends task force and coalitions as appropriate.
• Using the Vera-Screening tool and other methods identified as effective by the Practice Group, screen potential client for indicators on human trafficking, conduct detail assessment as available and appropriate.
• Interviews new clients to a) gather information needed to process applications and commence legal work, b) identify emergencies and unusual situations, c) facilitate the obtaining of legal advice, and d) organize and implement action as warranted.
• Identifies legal issues from facts presented by clients and recognizes additional social or economic problems for referral to other sources of assistance.
• Assists attorneys in client representation and litigation. Drafts documents and correspondence; manages court or administrative agency filing and scheduling; conducts factual investigations; performs in-depth legal research; gathers and compiles documentary evidence; and locates and prepares witnesses.
• Assists in legal representation through communication with clients, witnesses, adverse parties, personnel in public agencies, and institutions including judges and court personnel, other service providers, and similar individuals and groups.
• Works effectively with diverse staff and service population.
• Other duties as assigned. 

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university, or ABA accredited paralegal certificate, or comparable experience demonstrating working knowledge of legal systems and concepts.
• Position will require flexible work schedule including evening and weekend hours.
• Familiarity with anti-trafficking issues.
• Excellent community outreach and relationship development skills.
• Excellent writing, record-keeping, organizational, and communications skills.
• A high level of overall performance demonstrating long-term commitment to and broad understanding of quality legal aid work, as well as ability to assume leadership responsibilities.
• Ability to master the operation of available computer hardware and software in assigned area.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and the immigrant community.
• Bilingual in Spanish/English required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Satisfactorily pass all relevant screenings and background checks. 

TRANSPORTATION/MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Driving required with a personally owned vehicle. Travel between sites required. 

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. Find out more by clicking here!

Some highlights include:

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical Coverage, Guardian Dental Coverage, and VSP Vision Coverage.
• Metropolitan Family Services contributions of $2,000 to individual, and $4,000 to family, HSA accounts, pro-rated to your benefits start date.
• FREE General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc services provided to all team members.
• Ascensus 401K plan services with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility.

And so much more! Make sure you click here to see the full suite of benefits offered!

 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.