TEAMCHILD: TeamChild is a nationally recognized nonprofit serving vulnerable youth across Washington State. TeamChild is best known for its legal services program reaching children in crisis in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane and Yakima counties. Our clients are generally 12-18 years old and many are involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Our legal services program is designed to keep young people out of juvenile court by reconnecting them to education, healthcare, and housing supports. We work closely with public defenders, juvenile court staff and the community to positively impact the young person’s life while helping the youth to accomplish their goals and reduce further contact with the courts. The goal of all of our programs is to divert children away from school exclusion, arrest, and incarceration and directly into the supports that have the best chances of getting them back on track. For more information, see www.teamchild.org.

JOB OVERVIEW: The Legal Assistant’s primary duties will be to provide administrative and case support to four full-time staff attorneys in TeamChild’s Seattle office. Duties involve being the first point of contact for all client intake & screening, gathering and entering comprehensive case related data, and providing extensive case support. This is an hourly (non-exempt) part-time position (20 hours/week) with room for growth.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists in case screening, intake and client communication, including fact development and contact with other professionals who are referring cases or working with clients.
Provides extensive case support including but not limited to records and discovery requests, correspondence, document preparation, redaction, and other case management tasks as assigned.
Independently prepares and edits correspondence, legal pleadings and other documents consistent with staff attorney instructions.
Maintains and organizes case tasks, timekeeping, legal files, and records in the office and in TeamChild’s web-based case management system.
Assists with researching and making referrals to other legal and human service providers or appropriate organizations.
Assists with scheduling and preparing for case related meetings and community outreach and training activities.
Is available to perform reception duties including welcoming visitors, answering telephones, making appointments, taking messages, and answering inquiries.

QUALIFICATIONS

Strongly favored, but not required: BA/AA degree and/or Paralegal Certification and/or knowledge of technical legal terms, forms and documents; familiar with Bluebook citations; working knowledge of federal, state, and local court rules and procedures (including appellate court rules), brief preparation, and computer applications pertinent to the job responsibilities.
Demonstrated passion for our mission.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills, and highly tuned listening skills.
Excellent organizational skills and superior attention to detail with strong follow-through.
Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with people of different race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance.
Demonstrated cultural competence and sensitivity in working with diverse clients, client communities and other staff/colleagues. Comfortable working with interpreters.
Curiosity for learning and personal growth, and ability to learn quickly and work independently.
Strong empathy and tireless perseverance.
Optimistic and charismatic disposition.
High level of professionalism and ethical standards.
Excellent skills with office technology, including strong computer skills and experience with Google Apps, Microsoft Word, Excel, & Adobe Acrobat. Demonstrated ability to learn and master new technology and software applications.
Sense of humor a plus.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Depends on experience but starts at $20/hr. Position comes with full benefits (including medical, dental, vision, long and short term disability).

TeamChild is committed to promoting an environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices for its clients, Board and staff. We encourage exceptional candidates from a broad variety of backgrounds to apply, including people whose lives have been impacted by the justice or child welfare systems, people who are just finishing school or beginning a career, and experienced professionals looking to transition within or into the public sector.

How to apply

TO APPLY: Email a concise letter of interest and resume to jobs@teamchild.org. No phone calls please. Position opened until filled, though resume review will begin February 1st. We hope to start interviews the week of February 8th.