Pro Bono Legal Assistant

About Swords to Plowshares

Founded in 1974, Swords to Plowshares is a community-based not-for-profit organization that provides counseling and case management, employment and training, housing, and legal assistance to veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area. We promote and protect the rights of veterans through advocacy, public education, and partnerships with local, state, and national entities. Believing that war causes wounds and suffering that last beyond the battlefield, our mission is to heal the wounds of war and to restore dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency to all veterans in need, and to end homelessness and poverty among those we serve. To learn more about Swords to Plowshares, please visit our website at www.swords-to-plowshares.org.

Job Title Pro Bono Legal Assistant

Location San Francisco

Employment Type Non-Exempt, Full Time

Schedule 9-5pm M-F

Summary

The Legal Unit at Swords to Plowshares provides legal advice and representation to homeless and low-income veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area with their VA Benefits and Military Discharge Upgrade applications.

The position will primarily support the Pro Bono Program in placing cases with volunteer attorneys and coordinating monthly virtual legal clinics. In addition, the Pro Bono Legal Assistant works closely with the Senior Paralegal to manage client inquiries, initial intakes, and data entry into our case management system. The Pro Bono Legal Assistant will also provide support to the Pro Bono Manager, Staff Attorneys, and the Senior Paralegal by performing administrative and general office duties. This is a hybrid position (in the office one day a week); fully remote employment will be considered for the right applicant.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES include but may not be limited to:

• Respond to email, telephone, and written inquiries for legal services
• Perform initial telephone intakes, appointment scheduling, and related organizational tasks including data entry of client information into our case management system
• Provide support to the Pro Bono Manager & Staff Attorney at monthly virtual legal clinics
• Attend weekly supervision meetings and staff meetings
• Promptly reply to supervisor and attorney requests during work hours
• Track open pro bono matters by maintaining case management data and obtain case updates from pro bono attorneys
• Request client records and other documentary evidence utilized in VA benefits and military discharge review cases; track and follow up on documentation as needed
•  Create professional correspondence and other documents as needed
• Assist Senior Paralegal and attorneys with other administrative and clerical tasks as required
• Perform other duties as required by the Pro Bono Program Manager and Legal Director
• Employee must be able to perform all essential job requirements and responsibilities within what would be considered reasonable accommodation.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; relevant professional experience may be substituted

Experience

• Experience with providing administrative and clerical support, i.e. utilization of MS office suite, data entry, photocopying, correspondence, completing forms, filing, etc.
• Experience with or sensitivity to the needs of clients who are homeless, trauma survivors, experience mental health symptoms, and/or live with disabilities
• Preferred experience in client services
• Familiarity with computer-based data management; experience with Salesforce is a plus
• Preferred familiarity with veterans issues

Skills

• Strong administrative and organizational skills, with a high degree of accuracy in all work
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and remain calm under pressure
• Ability to plan and take initiative to accomplish objectives in a timely manner
• Must be able to communicate effectively with a variety of personalities and be comfortable working with an at-risk client population in a fast-paced social services environment, including embracing the agency’s Cultural Humility Initiative
• Must be able to communicate effectively with representatives from partnering law firms and large corporations

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires extended periods of sitting at a desk/computer station, meeting with clients, and doing administrative work such as data entry, photocopying, word processing, etc. 

Salary & Benefits

The starting pay rate for this Non-Exempt, Full Time position is $26.00 - $29.00 per hour.

Compensation is based on a competitive public interest salary scale. Swords to Plowshares offers a generous benefits package including the following benefits:

• 100% Company Paid Medical and Dental for employees; there is a cost for Dependents.
• Agency paid Annual Medical Deductible paid via Navia Card
• 403(b) retirement plan immediate, with employer contribution after one year.
• 17 vacation days in the first year, and progressive afterward
• 13 holidays each year
• Supportive environment
• Paid lunch Period.
• Annual Education/Training allowance
• Access Perks
• Rocket Lawyer
• Acupuncture and Chiropractic program (Up to 30 sessions a year-paid by employer)

How to Apply

(No calls please)

Please submit a thoughtful cover letter explaining your interest in Swords to Plowshares, where/how you found out about this career opportunity, and your salary requirement. Email the cover letter along with your resume to jobs@stp-sf.org.

Please include the exact title for this position in the subject line of your email: Pro Bono Legal Assistant

 You may also apply for this position by using the following link: <a href='https://secure6.saashr.com/ta/6154276.careers?ApplyToJob=486975173'>Apply For This Job</a>

Swords to Plowshares is an inclusive employer and we are proud of the rich diversity among our staff. Please join us!