Intake Paralegal at Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida Inc – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida, Inc. (CCLA) established in 2003 is a Legal Services Corporation (LSC) funded, non-profit organization. CCLA provides free civil legal services to low-income and otherwise eligible residents of Broward County and is located in Plantation, Florida, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale. Our mission is to provide equal justice to underserved communities through quality and innovative free civil legal aid. CCLA provides legal advocacy for individuals in our community, helping thousands of economically disadvantaged residents to gain greater access to justice and much-needed legal assistance to remove barriers to a healthy and stable life.

CCLA provides legal assistance in the areas of Family Law & Victims of Crime, Economic Advocacy & Community Health (public benefits), and Senior Law for people age 60 and older. At CCLA, we provide quality civil legal representation and equal access to justice, regardless of their income. CCLA’s vision is a community where everyone has the legal resources to thrive.

CCLA is currently seeking a hardworking, compassionate, full-time Centralized Intake Paralegal to conduct client interviews and screen applicants seeking legal representation from CCLA. This role supports attorneys and staff by completing pre-screens and applications, gathering information, and collecting relevant documents and pleadings. The position ensures compliance with all program requirements, including timely case processing, accurate documentation, timekeeping, reporting, and participation in required training and professional development.

Additionally, Intake Paralegal provides intake coverage in CCLA’s courthouse office by interviewing clients, assessing legal needs, and assisting individuals seeking legal services. Broward County Downtown Courthouse (201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301).

Position Duties

• Answer incoming phone calls and promptly return calls and emails.
• Follow up on referrals from internal units, partner organizations, agencies, and online intake sources.
• Screen applicants/clients via phone, electronic communication, and in-person interviews.
• Schedule intake appointments and meetings with applicants.
• Complete conflict checks, pre-screens, and full intake assessments.
• Determine applicant eligibility for legal services in accordance with program guidelines.
• Enter and complete intake information in the case management system through phone, electronic, or in-person communication.
• Maintain accurate records, case notes, and daily timekeeping in CCLA’s case management system.
• Explain intake and compliance documents and obtain required client signatures.
• Coordinate case acceptance and referrals to and from external organizations, including other legal aid providers.
• Provides courthouse coverage for intake services, including conducting in-person client interviews, gathering case information, and assisting individuals seeking legal services.
• Performs community outreach events in-person and virtually, as well as, on social media, and conducts educational training for staff, clients, and community providers, as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all programs and grant requirements.
• Attend mandated training courses and train other staff as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with all CCLA units as part of a team environment.
• Complete reports accurately and in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as requested by CCLA Management, Supervisors, or as required by grant(s).

Position Requirements

• Associate’s degree and/or paralegal certificate preferred; relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• One (1) to five (5) years of relevant experience preferred.
• Bilingual Creole or Spanish/English preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask, work efficiently, and operate both independently and with supervision.
• Professional demeanor with a strong client-service orientation.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income communities.
• Flexibility to work scheduled hours, including coverage at the Broward Courthouse as scheduled.
• Ability to provide backup support to the receptionist as scheduled.
• Due to funder requirements, all applicants must pass a background check before employment begins. {See: Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website: https://info.flclearinghouse.com}

Here at CCLA we offer our employees an outstanding and generous benefits package, which includes medical, vision, dental (100% employer paid for individual coverage), life, short-term, long-term disability insurance (100% employer paid coverage), supplemental insurance, and a 403(b) plan (tax-sheltered annuity plan) with an employer contribution.

Additionally, CCLA offers substantial discounts on gym memberships, parks, travel, pet insurance, and more, contributing to our employees' overall well-being.

CCLA is very proud of our work-life balance by giving our employees a substantial paid time off package which includes, vacation, sick leave and over 12 holidays a year. At CCLA we offer our employees (non-probationary) a more flexible work schedule by temporarily working a hybrid schedule 2 days in the office and 3 days working remotely.

At CCLA, we foster a positive and supportive work environment where we work hard to provide exceptional service to our community. The work is both challenging and rewarding, and we take pride in the commitment and dedication of our team.

For more information about CCLA, please visit our website at www.coasttocoastlegalaid.org.

CCLA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.