Paralegal 2025 - North West Region: Armstrong, Cambria, Cameron, Clearfield, Clarion, Crawford,[...]

Voce; Franklin (Venango County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established agency is seeking dedicated paralegals to support the SWAN Legal Services Initiative, which aims to expedite permanency for children in foster care. This role involves drafting legal documents, participating in court hearings, and collaborating with caseworkers to locate potential permanency resources. With a commitment to empowering children and families, the organization offers a dynamic work environment where motivated professionals can thrive. If you have a passion for child welfare and legal processes, this opportunity could be your chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in need.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Short Term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

401(k) Employer Contribution

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Qualifications

• General knowledge/work experience in legal or child welfare is preferred.
• 5+ years of related experience may substitute for degree/certification.

Responsibilities

• Draft legal documents for review, including petitions and motions.
• Assist with court hearings and witness preparation.

Skills

Legal Document Drafting

Court Hearing Participation

Witness Preparation

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Education

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Paralegal Certificate

Job description

Add Your Voice - Work For Us

We use our voice, and empower you to use yours, to create positive, lasting change in people’s lives. We use our voice because we believe every person should belong and be empowered to thrive.

Who We Are

Our agency began in 1999 by pioneering a model that is nationally recognized. We believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing permanent home - with a caring and supportive family that makes it possible to grow and thrive.

A pioneer in new approaches to achieving permanency for children in foster care, we employ specialized knowledge and a continuum of services to help agencies expedite adoptions and keep families together.

To learn more, please visit our website.

Additionally, with our partner Diakon, we co-administer the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN) program for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

To learn more about LSI, SWAN or Diakon, please visit our partner's website.

SWAN LSI Paralegals

Voce employs paralegals to work for the SWAN Legal Services Initiative (LSI), a program that was created to address barriers within the legal process that delay permanency for a child in the child welfare system. LSI paralegals work out of every county's children and youth office. LSI paralegals assist counties with all aspects of the legal process which ensures children are in safe and permanent homes.

Please note that the purpose of this opening is to accept applications for positions in this region that may become open in the future.

What You Will Contribute

• Drafting legal documents for solicitor review, including petitions, orders, motions and stipulations
• Participate in county court hearings and pre-hearing conferences
• Assist with all aspects of lay and expert witness preparation for testimony
• Facilitate and/or train on approved LSI training topics
• Support county best practices
• Conduct diligent searches to locate parents, relatives or other potential permanency resources or connections for children who are receiving services from, or are in the custody of the county and collaborate with caseworkers regarding all search results

What It Takes To Succeed

General knowledge/work experience in legal or in child welfare and an Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate is preferred. A minimum of 5 years of related experience will be considered in lieu of degree and/or certification.

We strive to hire motivated professionals with strong organizational and time management skills who will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work environment. Our paralegals are required to travel to trainings and meetings which could include overnight stays. Travel expenses are reimbursed as per our policies.

Why Voce - We Invest In You

We offer a competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Health insurance with medical spending accounts (employer contribution to the HSA if electing HDHP)
• Dental, vision, long term disability and accident insurance
• Three employer-paid benefits: short term disability insurance, life insurance and Employee Assistance Program
• Employer contribution equivalent to 6% of your salary to your 401(k)
• 10 paid holidays (including one floating holiday)
• 18 days of PTO in the first year of employment
• Qualified employer participating in Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Please submit your cover letter and resume to be considered.

EOE