The Intake Paralegal serves as a member of ULS's centralized statewide intake team, conducting eligibility screenings for individuals seeking legal services in accordance with regulatory requirements and organizational priorities. Working in a high-volume environment, this position manages inquiries received by phone and online, gathers and evaluates information, and ensures requests are processed accurately, efficiently, and professionally. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, effective multitasking, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to providing high-quality client service.
Job Responsibilities and Duties
- Answer incoming requests, via telephone or chat, received during intake hours and do so in courteous, efficient manner.
- Conduct screening of all applicants, while collaborating with a supervising attorney via chat, to determine eligibility in accordance with regulations and organizational priorities.
- Determine if there is a legal aspect to applicant's problem and concisely describe the issue in client management system.
- Input gathered data into client management system with accuracy, opening client files or rejecting requests for services as required by eligibility guidelines.
- Provide knowledgeable, targeted referrals to applicants who do not qualify.
- Actively participate in peer reviews, making corrections as needed and providing meaningful feedback.
- Maintain knowledge of federal regulations, grant requirements and organizational policies that inform eligibility guidelines.
- Engage in active team building and create a positive work environment.
- Attend ULS all staff trainings and team meetings that promote discussion about administrative issues, legal skills, and professional development.
- Perform other duties as required.
Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated commitment to working with low-income community and promoting access to civil legal justice.
- Strong typing and computer skills, including MS Word, Outlook, Teams and Legal Server, along with ability to navigate the internet.
- Ability to multi-task with attention to detail.
- Excellent oral communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize.
- Ability to identify legal issues.
- Capable of using de-escalation skills when interacting with difficult applicants.
- Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
- Understand and adhere to strict client confidentiality rules.
- Spanish fluency strongly preferred but not required.
Education / Experience
- High School diploma or GED.
- Minimum of two years legal office or call center experience. Schooling beyond the minimum requirement can be substituted of experience.
Job Factors/Physical Requirements
- Must be or plan to be physically located in Utah.
- This position follows a remote model, but requires occasional office travel for trainings and meetings.
- Requires prolonged periods of sitting and computer work.
Hourly Rate: $18-$20 depending on experience.
Schedule: Monday through Friday 9:00 -2:00
FLSA Status: This is a full-time (30 hours per week), non-exempt position.
Benefits
At Utah Legal Services, we prioritize the well-being and success of our employees, recognizing that a harmonious work-life balance is paramount. We empower our team members to tailor their schedules with flexible hours, allowing them to effectively manage their professional commitments while nurturing personal and familial needs. In our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, we embrace a hybrid or remote work across all positions.
Moreover, we understand that comprehensive benefits are essential in fostering a thriving workplace culture. That's why we offer an extensive benefits package, including:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Employer-paid vision insurance
- Generous paid-time off (21 days per year) and increases on your first anniversary
- 13 paid holidays
- 403(b) retirement plan with a monthly employer match, plus automatic monthly contributions
- Employer-paid short and long-term disability coverage
- 4 weeks paid parental leave
- Employer monthly stipend to assist staff with benefit cost.
By prioritizing employee well-being, offering competitive benefits, and embracing a flexible work environment, we strive to create a workplace where every team member can thrive both personally and professionally.
To learn more about Utah Legal Services visit www.utahlegalservices.org
Utah Legal Services believes that equal opportunity of all employees is important for the continuing success of our organization. In accordance with state and federal law, this nonprofit will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, disability, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status in hiring, promoting, demoting, trainings, benefits, transfers, layoffs, terminations, recommendations, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation.