CLA has an immediate need for a full-time Community Outreach Paralegal for a public interest organization located in Rock Hill, SC. We are looking for someone with a strong commitment to public interest and social justice advocacy who is willing to learn and assist with the diverse legal needs of underserved and vulnerable communities. This position focuses on community outreach and projects geared to educate and empower the indigent population related to their legal rights and utilization of the organization’s available services. The legal needs of this non-profit’s clients encompass multiple civil litigation practice areas depending on client needs including social security, public benefits, housing, consumer law, education law, tax law, probate, family law, and employment law. This position is onsite but can be located in Columbia, Charleston, Conway, Greenville, Spartanburg, Rock Hill, Florence, Greenwood, or Orangeburg.
Sample Responsibilities:
- Responsible for assisting the executive director with planning and executing outreach activities
- Lead and develop public education opportunities for the community relating to legal rights including subject matter and materials
- Assist the organization in planning innovative community education and engagement activities to inform low-income communities of their legal rights
- Evaluate and adjust course and activity content through evaluations and levels of interest shown to identify critical needs
- Support in the development of information/awareness material
- Help raise awareness about legal services available and support advocacy campaigns, public relations, and community outreach.
- Liaison with local and state bar agencies, other legal groups, and community agencies to identify opportunities for collaboration and joint events
- Help strengthen and grow relationships with community partners that provide services to the low-income communities examples include social services, domestic violence, health care, senior citizens, civil rights, and economic development
- Assist each location with the development of an outreach plan for engaging the community
- Paralegals may be required to perform administrative office duties, conduct legal research, initial case intake and assessment, draft documents, prepare exhibits, interview clients and witnesses, and assist attorneys as needed
- Be a passionate advocate for the organization's mission and values, effectively conveying the organization's message and building positive relationships with the community.
- Efficiently plan and execute outreach events, projects, and campaigns, often involving multiple moving parts.
- Conduct thorough research to understand the community's needs, issues, and existing services. Identify gaps and opportunities for your outreach and educational efforts
- Keep track of and assess the results of your outreach initiatives
- Use the feedback and data collected to adapt and refine your strategy as needed and make necessary changes to improve effectiveness
- Conduct intakes at outreach events and train volunteers on how to complete the intakes
Minimum Requirements and Other Qualifications:
- A degree from an accredited two- or four-year college or university; or a certificate of completion/graduation from an accredited paralegal program
- Demonstrated success in community engagement, outreach and/or events planning
- Ability to handle emotionally challenging situations and maintain a positive outlook in the face of adversity.
- Flexibility to adjust to changing circumstances and program needs.
- Experience as a paralegal in South Carolina or at a public interest organization
- Strong oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills
- Effective written and verbal communication skills are crucial for conveying the organization's message and building relationships with the community.
- Knowledge of legal principles, legal research methods, legal terminology, court system and legal procedures helpful
- Excellent computer skills, including Windows and Microsoft Office 365
- Excellent organizational skills and detail-oriented
- Cultural humility in working with colleagues and clients across the spectrum of diversity, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, immigrant status, religious identity, physical and mental disabilities, and/or limited English proficiency
- Openness and approachability, with ability to connect to people of diverse backgrounds
- An emphasis on trust and authentic relationship-building with community, with compassionate and non-judgmental approach
- Strong personal work ethic and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision;
- Displays high standard of ethical conduct; exhibits honesty and integrity
- Bilingual skills a plus, but not required
- Valid driver's license and good driving record as use of firm's vehicles may be required
- Must be willing to travel within the state (firm vehicle provided).
- The position may also require some evening and/or weekend work as well as statewide travel
**All resumes are held in strict confidence.**
This organization offers competitive compensation and benefits, commensurate with the scope of the position and a candidate’s expertise and experience. Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance. 401(k) match, monthly student loan repayment assistance (in addition to eligibility for public interest loan forgiveness), Paid leave including 14 paid holidays.
Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities or requirements.
