Paralegal - Health & Benefits Equity Team

Paralegal - Health & Benefits Equity Team The PJC pursues systemic change to build a just society. Founded in Maryland in 1985, the PJC uses legal advocacy tools to pursue social justice, economic and racial equity, and fundamental human rights for people who are struggling to provide for their basic needs. The PJC is a civil legal aid office that provides advice and representation to low-income clients, advocates before legislatures and government agencies, and collaborates with community and advocacy organizations. For more about PJC, visit our website: publicjustice.org.

The PJC's Health and Benefits Equity Project seeks to advance health equity, economic stability, and justice for individuals and families with low income in Maryland by strengthening our healthcare and safety net services.

The paralegal position is a member of the NOLSW Bargaining Unit and will report to the Managing Attorney for the Health and Benefits Equity Team. We are seeking to fill this position as soon as possible.

Primary job responsibilities include:

• Assisting attorneys with litigation support including case investigation, researching public records, filing legal pleadings, drafting documents, assisting in document review and document management, and data entry and reporting.
• Conducting telephone and in-person intakes, interviewing clients, opening and maintaining electronic and paper case files, participating in fact gathering and appropriate referral, brief service, or advocacy.
• Assisting with policy advocacy and research projects on prioritized subjects as needed.
• Participating in and assisting with outreach, public education, client education, and coalitions as needed.
• Participating thoughtfully in team meetings, evaluations, and the development of the team workplan.
• Providing general administrative and office support for our office as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited school or a combination of Associate's Degree, Paralegal Certificate, and/or demonstrated skills in writing, research, analysis, and communications.
• Spanish/English bilingual (or fluency in writing and speaking) is a plus
• Passion for social justice and commitment to the mission of the Public Justice Center.
• Understanding of the principles of race equity analysis and applying them to the PJC's organizational life and to our work.
• Experience with low-income, oppressed, or exploited communities or people.
• Ability to sensitively respond to people seeking services in crisis situations.
• Experience in law office/ litigation support and case management.
• Excellent use of Microsoft Word and Excel; database programs a plus.
• Ability and interest in learning new computer programs.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, time management, and organizational skills; ability to manage complex assignments and work collegially with staff.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others both in and outside of the PJC, including clients, other advocacy organizations, coalition members, government officials, and attorneys.

Compensation:

This is a full-time, non-exempt position that will require 40 hours in a workweek. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. This position is based in Baltimore and may require local travel. The salary range for a full-time paralegal begins at $54,000 and increases with experience. A language bonus of $3,000/year is given to Spanish/English bilingual staff. An excellent cafeteria benefit package is also provided.

Applications:

We will accept applications and conduct interviews on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but priority consideration will be given to applications received by June 26th. Applications will be accepted only through Career Plug public-justice-center.careerplug/jobs/3449366.To apply, please submit (1) a cover letter explaining your interest, (2) a resume, (3) a short writing sample, and (4) the names and telephone numbers of three references. These documents will need to be consolidated into no more than two PDFs to upload in Career Plug.

Physical/Mental Demands and Office EnvironmentThe physical/mental demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The Public Justice Center is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that encourages all interested persons to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage Black, Latine, Indigenous, and other applicants of color, people with disabilities, and other people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.