Paralegal 2026 - South West Region: Allegheny County

Voce; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Short term disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

401(k) employer contribution

Paid holidays

PTO in first year

PSLF qualified employer

Job summary

A leading child welfare organization seeks LSI Paralegals to help facilitate the legal process for children in the welfare system. Candidates should have general knowledge in legal or child welfare, with a preference for an Associate's or Bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience. Responsibilities include drafting legal documents, participating in court hearings, and supporting county practices. The role may involve travel, and a competitive benefits package is offered, including health insurance and PTO.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of related experience can substitute for degree/certification.
• Work experience preferred in legal or child welfare.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft legal documents for solicitor review.
• Participate in court hearings and pre-hearing conferences.
• Assist with witness preparation for testimony.
• Train on LSI training topics.
• Support county best practices.
• Conduct searches for potential permanency resources.

Skills

General knowledge/work experience in legal or child welfare

Strong organizational and time management skills

Ability to travel for trainings and meetings

Witness preparation

LSI training

Search for permanency resources

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 https://vocetogether.org/expertise/adoption-permanency.html

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 www.diakon-swan.org

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)
• 13 paid holidays (including three floating holidays)
• 18 days of PTO in first year of employment
• Qualified employer participating in Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Please submit your cover letter and resume to be considered.
EOE