Legal Advocacy Associate

The Beacon of Downtown Houston; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Beacon of Downtown Houston is seeking a Legal Advocacy Associate to support the delivery of legal services, assist clients with documentation and court processes, and coordinate referrals. This role blends remote work with on-site collaboration at our Downtown Houston office and partner sites.

The ideal candidate is organized, compassionate, and persistent, with attention to detail and a commitment to client confidentiality in a nonprofit setting.

Qualifications

• Paralegal certificate preferred; relevant public interest experience welcomed.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher required or three years+ experience in lieu of degree.
• Experience in nonprofit/public interest environment and trauma-informed care knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with clients regarding case status, deadlines, and next steps.
• Monitor progress toward court-ordered community service; track deadlines and hours.
• Maintain timely case notes and client information in the case management system.
• Assist attorneys with case preparation: gather records and organize documents.
• Identify barriers, provide referrals to legal, housing, healthcare, and social services.
• Coordinate outreach with partner organizations and support program operations.

Skills

Organizational skills

Discretion & professional judgment

Written & verbal communication

Independent & cross-functional work

Trauma-informed care knowledge

Spanish language ability

Education

Paralegal certificate

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Tools

HMIS

CLIO

Microsoft Office

PowerPoint

Canva

Job description

About Us

Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2007, The Beacon’s mission is to provide essential and next-step services to restore hope and help end homelessness in Houston.We accomplish this by providing compassionate services to individuals experiencing homelessness with the goal of helping them achieve housing stability and improved well-being.The Beacon operates the largest drop-in day center in downtown Houston and is a key partner in The Way Home Continuum of Care.As such, The Beacon serves as the primary entry point for individuals seeking housing and supportive services.

Job Summary

The Legal Advocacy Associate is supervised by an attorney and is responsible to aid in the delivery of legal services and helps clients navigate the legal and administrative processes necessary to resolve these barriers. Responsibilities include assisting clients with collecting required documentation and signing and submitting forms, monitoring compliance with court-ordered community service, coordinating referrals, and maintaining communication with clients, courts, and community partners.

The ideal candidate is organized, compassionate, and persistent in following up with clients. This position requires strong attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a commitment to helping clients overcome practical obstacles to resolving their legal issues. The position is responsible for maintaining client confidentiality.

The Beacon Law team functions in a remote work and shared office space environment. Our main office is located in Downtown Houston and occasional reporting to that location is required. Occasionally, the position requires off site outreach events as well.The job candidate must be able to work productively remotely and have high speed internet access during working hours.

This position is supported in whole or in part by grant funding and is subject to the continued availability of funding. The Beacon reserves the right to modify the position's duties, responsibilities, reporting structure, or funding allocation based on organizational needs and available resources.

Key Responsibilities

1. Client Advocacy and Follow-Up

• Communicate with clients regarding case status, outstanding documentation, court requirements, deadlines, and next steps.
• Monitor client progress toward completing court-ordered community service, including tracking deadlines, documenting progress, and obtaining confirmation of completed hours from approved providers.
• Maintain regular follow-up with clients who have outstanding community service obligations and help identify practical barriers to completion, including transportation, communication, and scheduling challenges.
• Promptly notify the supervising attorney or attorney of record of missed deadlines, reported or suspected noncompliance, difficulties completing court-ordered requirements, or other issues that may affect a client’s case.
• Identify and address client barriers, including housing instability, transportation and access to resources and provide referrals to appropriate legal, housing, healthcare, employment, and social services when applicable.
• Collaborate with internal departments and community partners to support client needs.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, client information, and case outcomes in the organization’s case management system.

2. Paralegal and Case Support

• Assist with client intake, application processing, preliminary eligibility screening, and appointment coordination.
• Assist attorneys with case preparation, including gathering records, organizing documents, preparing forms, and maintaining case files.
• Track case deadlines, court dates, filing requirements, and outstanding client responsibilities.
• Conduct preliminary factual investigations and legal research as directed by supervising attorneys.

3. Community Outreach and Program Support

• Communicate program services, eligibility requirements, referral procedures, and client requirements to partner organizations.
• Help identify recurring barriers affecting clients and communicate relevant observations to supervising attorneys.
• Perform other duties consistent with the position’s responsibilities and the needs of the organization.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Paralegal certificate (a plus)
• Bachelor’s Degree or other higher education. Three years or more experience will substitute for a Bachelor’s Degree.
• Passion and experience in public interest/nonprofit sector and knowledge of trauma-informed care
• Must be able to analyze information and data and create accurate and timely documentation for client records.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a cross-functional team, in a fast-paced, non-traditional environment while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and social justice.
• Ability to promote a positive work culture and furthering of racial, social, and gender equity.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and social justice.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and judgment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Spanish speaking a plus, but not required
• Ability to anticipate needs, problem-solve independently, and follow through on tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and presentation tools (PowerPoint needed, Canva a plus).
• Comfort working across teams and managing competing requests in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with HMIS (Homeless Management Information System), CLIO (case management software), or similar data systems
• Commitment to The Beacon’s mission and goals and to follow ethical and best practices.
• Collaborative, service-oriented mindset with strong emotional intelligence.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Hybrid & flexible schedule with on-site presence at program sites, encampments, or partners sites for meetings and events.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds and remain seated for extended periods.
• Comfortable working in dynamic, non-traditional environments.
• Occasional (rare) evening or weekend hours may be required for events or urgent program needs.