CASA & CASA IN ACTION SYNOPSIS:

CASA’s mission is to create a more just society by building power and improving the quality of life in working class Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendant, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities. Rooted in the collective power of our community, our inclusive, permanent, member-led movement radically transforms communities and systems to ensure the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members are fully met as we strive for justice and full liberation at home and in solidarity with others across the world. CASA has a sister organization, CASA in Action, a separate, but related, nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. Although CASA and CASA in Action share a common goal of supporting immigrants and low-income people in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, they are separate organizations with their own board of directors. A set of employees at the two organizations, including the person filling this position, shares their time between the two organizations. This has no effect on salary or benefits.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Member Services Paralegal provides general, as well as case and project support to the Legal Department, while helping to support the broader efforts of CASA’s Legal Department, as assigned by their supervisor. A CASA paralegal is on the front line in advocating for, and working alongside our members in different spaces. CASA paralegals work with a dynamic group of attorneys, organizers, advocates, and social service staff in a friendly and fast-paced environment.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE:

• Bachelor degree or minimum of two years of experience performing related work.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Passion for contributing to a social justice organization dedicated to immigrant rights, including a strong alignment with CASA’s mission and the ability to compellingly communicate its value to donors.
• Highly organized and efficient, “can-do” attitude, flexibility, commitment to teamwork, high degree of personal initiative.
• Strong project management skills, including successful experience prioritizing and managing multiple tasks efficiently and completing follow-up.
• Experience with developing grant proposals, particularly writing grant narratives and project budgets.
• Detail-oriented with high expectations for the quality of work from the development department. Ability to work efficiently in occasionally stressful environments.
• Strong verbal and written communication and excellent interpersonal skills with a proven track record of professionally and convincingly engaging donors and partners.
• Strong computer and technology skills required, including proficiency in managing Microsoft Office and online database systems.
• Experience with Salesforce preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or English/French (written and spoken) preferred.

BENEFITS DESCRIPTION:

Who is eligible?

• All full time and part time permanent positions working 20 hours or more per week.

What We Offer:

• Generous paid time off, including: annual leave starting at three weeks per year (proportional accrual per pay period), two weeks of sick leave, three days of personal leave, and additional compensatory leave for exempt employees.
• Twelve (12) paid holidays per calendar year.
• Excellent Benefits Package including employer paid benefits as follow:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (CASA pays 100% of the premium costs for the employee up to our HMO plan, 55% for couples, 65% for children and 60% for family)
• Basic life and AD&D
• Long and Short Term Disability insurance
• Professional Development: Those pursuing a course of study related to work performed at CASA may be eligible for a reimbursement up to $3,000.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional voluntary benefits:
• FSA Account including Dependent Care.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 2% employer discretionary match.
• Accident, Critical Indemnity, Hospital insurance.
• Allowances:
• Mileage reimbursements for those positions that are required to drive on CASA business.
• Cell Phone stipend for those positions that are required to use their cellphone for CASA business.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit.
The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk for extended periods, specifically in connection with mandatory participation in actions, events, and rallies. The employee may be required to lift up to 25 lbs.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Solve problems presented by CASA members and others identified by the organization as high-priority or urgent.
• Conduct initial client intake and case assessment; work creatively to assist clients, including assisting with legal work, research, writing, advocacy, negotiations & referrals.
• Under supervision of CASA attorney, assist clients with resolving legal issues in the areas of housing, employment and/or immigration, and other related tasks.
• Administratively support legal team by ordering office supplies, coordinating volunteers, case file management, accounting, and publicizing legal services.
• Compile and publish information in one or more areas of expertise by writing referral guides, updating on-line guides and writing community education publications.
• Develop and cultivate network of partners who can provide case assistance, including by creating and maintaining an up-to-date referral list for clients, and by serving as a liaison between CASA and relevant partners.
• Conduct community education “Know Your Rights” (KYR) sessions and community outreach.
• Maintain documentation of all client contact and service provision.
• Support CASA’s power building activities, including by referring clients to CASA’s community organizing Department and collaborating with other Departments to achieve organizational objectives and advance relevant campaigns.
• Attend on-going training workshops relevant to work.
• Compile monthly reports with statistics and written narrative explanations of activities and results.
• Participate in annual planning; compile and report statistic and narratives regarding clients/cases; identify spokespeople for campaigns and media.
• Provide high quality customer service, interactions and responses to all members, partner organizations, vendors, visitors, callers and any other individual or organization you may encounter in your role with CASA.
• Support the development and expansion of CASA membership program and services.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Other duties assigned by supervisor related to position.