Central Illinois Paralegal

Metropolitan Family Services is a community-focused organization empowering families since 1857. They are seeking a full-time Paralegal to support attorneys in providing legal representation to victims of human trafficking and labor exploitation in Central Illinois. Responsibilities Support attorneys in providing legal representation in civil litigation, orders of protection, credit repair, crime victim representation, and immigration relief for survivors of human trafficking and labor exploitation in Central Illinois 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 Skills 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 required If not already certified, the paralegal must, upon hire, enroll for training and receive a 40-Hour Domestic Violence Certification within 12 weeks of employment required Strong writing, recordkeeping, organizational, and communications skills Typing and computer operation skills sufficient to be able to draft documents Ability to exercise appropriate independent judgment Demonstrated ability to learn new systems Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups Satisfactorily pass all relevant screenings and background checks Travel throughout Central Illinois is required. Must have reliable transportation for travel throughout Central Illinois Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred 1 year experience with civil litigation preferred Benefits Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, and 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. Company Overview Metropolitan Family Services is a family social services company providing programs to help families in various communities. It is a sub-organization of Metropolitan Peace Initiatives. It was founded in 1857, and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is