Paralegal/Legal Assistant

In a manner consistent with the mission of CASA of Allegheny County, CASA’s paralegal will provide professional support to the program staff and when directed, to volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). The paralegal’s role is vital to the implementation of the program by ensuring that legal case matters are handled efficiently and effectively.

Essential Functions

    Maintain contact with court clerks, department of court records and others to receive and follow-up on appointment and to request documents necessary for the assignment of cases.

    Carefully track each appointment and assignment including order retrieval, request/receipt of documentation and distribution of documentation.

    Review petitions and filings to identify information related to case assignment such as demographics, relationships and contact information of participants and professionals.

    Maintaining accurate case files, tracking deadlines and updating case information in the relevant cloud-based case management systems.

    Responsible for legal filings, docket tracking, and court report submissions.

    Troubleshoot issues with case management database system entry and reporting. Assure data integrity and follow-up to make sure issues are corrected.

    Attend court hearings and other meetings when requested.

    Field inquiries regarding case referrals.

    Conduct Legal Research and remain current on emerging legal issues related to children and families.

    Maintain updated information regarding court rules and procedures.

    Other duties as assigned by the Program Director and Executive Director.

Qualifications

Paralegal Certification preferred, although commensurate education or experience considered.

Experience

Experience in the field of child custody, child welfare or child and family services strongly preferred. Demonstrated commitment to cultural humility, equity and inclusion necessary.

Skills

Ability to maintain highest levels of confidentiality when dealing with proprietary, client, volunteer, donor and staff information as well as sensitive situations. Must have strong interpersonal boundaries and an ability to manage difficult or emotional situations. Strong research and organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to meet multiple deadlines. Needs to be confident, flexible, organized and responsible. Able to consult, problem solve and work collaboratively, yet independently. Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to work well in a fast-paced and changing environment and to handle multiple priorities. Must have a commitment to continuing professional and personal learning. Demonstrated competency in Microsoft 365 software applications (Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel), Adobe Acrobat, Zoom and Google Suite. Experience with Optima preferred but not required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibility.

Position Type/Expected

This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week. Our office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. In consultation with the Executive Director, your normal schedule should begin between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and should reflect eight hours of work daily. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Location 

This role operates in a hybrid work environment, allowing employees to choose which days to work remotely and which days on-site. There will be occasions where in-office presence is requested and required. When remote, a confidential, secure workspace is required. Candidates must use the designated computers provided by CASA and have high-speed internet.

Travel

This position may require some travel. Must have reliable transportation with current valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and state mandated automobile insurance for travel to and from appointments.

Physical Demands

Ability to sit and type at a computer for 6-8 hours. Ability to lift 5-10 pounds of office supplies or equipment. This position requires a manual dexterity sufficient to operate phones, computers and other office equipment. Intermittent physical activities including driving, bending, reaching, sitting and walking can occur. Individuals are typically exposed to office noises and interruptions such as printers, telephones, clients and staff. This position requires the ability to write and speak clearly using the English language to convey information and be able to hear at conversational speaking levels both in person, over the phone or over other computerized devices. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The working conditions have little or no exposure to extremes in health, safety hazards, and/or hazardous materials. Work is performed in an office setting, in homes and in the community. Ability to work some nights and weekends may be required.

PLEASE NOTE
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

TO APPLY

Send resumé, cover letter,3 references and salary requirements via email to Executive DirectorMelissa Protzek at mprotzek@pgh-casa.org 

Employment and conditions of employment will be made on a non-discriminatory job-related basis and without regard to an applicant's or an employee's race, religion, color, age, national origin, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status consistent with applicable law.