Paralegal

Full-Time Intake Paralegal

Background

The Veterans Law Center (VLC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free legal assistance to low-income veterans. Our work focuses on helping veterans secure VA compensation benefits for disabilities related to their military service and pursue military discharge upgrades when their separation was unjust or in error. We also assist veterans with other legal issues that are essential to housing stability, including landlord-tenant matters and criminal record clearing.

VLC is seeking a full-time paralegal to join our team. This position is funded by a two-year grant that aims to provide free legal services to veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Employment beyond the grant term is anticipated but dependent on renewed funding and organizational needs. The paralegal will play a key role in welcoming and supporting veterans referred under the grant, guiding them through the intake process, and ensuring they are connected to appropriate legal services.

Responsibilities

• Receive and organize a high volume of veteran case referrals from community partners
• Conduct eligibility screenings and intake interviews with veterans via telephone and at outreach events
• Review and assess intakes, identify legal issues, and provide appropriate legal advice and information, referrals, brief services, and representation to veterans under the close supervision of VLC attorneys
• Provide case support by coordinating with veteran clients to obtain signatures on a multitude of necessary forms and request military service records and current treatment records
• Review military service records and current treatment records, complete VA application and appeal forms, and draft documents, such as veteran affidavits and recommendation letters
• Maintain accurate and complete veteran files and administrative records, including data entry into client databases
• Attend staff meetings and assist with general tasks related to office procedures

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in a related field or associate’s degree in paralegal studies preferred
• Strong computer literacy including proficiency in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office and experience with Clio case management system preferred
• Ability to absorb and retain new information quickly
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining careful attention to detail
• Excellent analytical, writing, and interviewing skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a diverse population
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and a proactive willingness to support colleagues whenever needed
• Demonstrated ability to provide thoughtful, compassionate, and patient support to veterans living with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and/or experiences of trauma
• Prior experience in a nonprofit setting preferred

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as the position will be filled as soon as an appropriate candidate is identified. Salary range for the paralegal position is $48,000-$52,000, depending on pertinent experience. VLC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; short- and long-term disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan; and generous paid time off and holidays. This is a primarily remote position, with several required in-person staff meetings and outreach events in Philadelphia each month.