Case Handling Paralegal

Legal-Aid-of-Western-Missour; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 51,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Legal Aid of Western Missouri seeks a full-time case-handling paralegal in the Kansas City office to support attorneys on Social Security and education matters in administrative law proceedings.

The role involves in-depth intake, client interviews, preparing documents, representing clients at hearings, and organizing case files. A Bachelor's or related paralegal credential is required, with strong research and communication skills; bilingual Spanish a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or paralegal certificate program.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, principles and practices.
• Familiarity with state and federal laws and regulations.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with clients with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth intake interviews with applicants and gather facts and documents.
• Represent clients at administrative hearings.
• Assist attorneys with research and preparation of legal documents.
• Maintain and organize client files and case-related documents.

Skills

Legal terminology

Legal research techniques

Interpersonal skills

Client interviews

Case intake

Education

Bachelor's/Associate/Paralegal certificate

Job description

Description

Legal Aid of Western Missouri seeks a full-time case handling paralegal in the Kansas City office. This position will assist our team in representing clients with Social Security and education matters in administrative law proceedings.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct administrative-level representation of clients as well as perform all responsibilities required to assist attorneys in the completion of cases or assignments, including:

• Conduct in-depth interviews with eligible applicants about their legal problems, completing full intake to gather the facts, documents, and details needed to evaluate the case.
• Represent clients at administrative hearings.
• Assist attorneys with research and preparation of legal documents.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with third parties in a professional manner.
• Prepare letters and correspondence to clients and third parties, ensuring appropriate form, style, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
• Attend scheduled outreach events.
• Maintain and organize client files and case-related documents in accordance with Legal Aid's records management protocols.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or certificate program in paralegal studies
• Knowledge of legal terminology, principles, and practices and legal research techniques
• Some familiarity with state and federal laws and regulations
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with clients who have mental health and physical limitations and disabilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Social Security benefits and procedures
• Experience in a legal, nonprofit, or social services setting
• Familiarity with administrative law proceedings
• Bilingual or multilingual skills, particularly Spanish

Location

This role is an in-person position based in Legal Aid's Central office. Maintaining a regular in-office presence is a requirement for this role. Legal Aid offers flexible work arrangements to support employees in maintaining schedules that enable them to perform at their best.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position starts at $56,650 on Legal Aid's formal salary scale. Placement above the starting point is based on years of relevant experience and internal equity. Employees who demonstrate fluency in a second language are eligible for an annual salary supplement of $3,600.

Legal Aid offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical Plans with PPO or HSA options
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical or dependent care
• Health Savings Accounts
• Paid CLE and Bar Dues
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, Sick, Personal and Holidays
• Qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
• Travel and parking reimbursement
• 401k and up to 3.5% employer match

LAWMO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Those applicants requiring accommodation to the interview/application process should contact the Human Resources Department at [e-mail].