Intake Specialist

Intake ParalegalLegal Aid of Western Missouri's Joplin office is seeking an intake paralegal. This role is central to our efforts to build a stronger administrative foundation for serving our clients and supporting our staff. This is a hybrid role at the heart of how our office runs: you'll be the first person many clients speak to, conducting intake interviews and screening applicants for our services, while also providing administrative support that keeps the office working for clients and staff alike. If you are detail-oriented, mission-driven, and thrive in a collaborative environment where your work makes a real difference in people's lives, we encourage you to apply.Key ResponsibilitiesAnswer phones and greet visitorsTake applications for services and screen applicants for eligibility, including income, assets, and case type.Conduct in-depth interviews with eligible applicants about their legal problems, completing full intake to gather the facts, documents, and details attorneys need to evaluate the case.Provide administrative support to attorneys, paralegals, and supervisors across practice areas, including the following:Prepare letters and correspondence to clients, ensuring appropriate form, style, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.Coordinate distribution of mail, note relevant deadlines and hearing dates, and route time-sensitive materials to appropriate staff.Maintain and organize client files and case-related documents in accordance with Legal Aid's records management protocols.Perform data entry and maintain accurate records in Legal Aid's case management system, including opening and closing cases as appropriate.Provide information, answer questions, and schedule appointments for unit staff as neededCommunicate with clients in a professional, compassionate, and culturally sensitive manner, recognizing that many clients are experiencing a crisis or complex trauma.Maintain strict confidentiality of client and organizational information at all times.RequirementsRequired QualificationsDemonstrated experience in clerical and office administration, including strong typing, spelling, grammar, and proofreading skillsProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and TeamsStrong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to work collaboratively and professionally with a diverse teamAbility to prioritize and manage multiple tasks across different teams simultaneously, with a solution-oriented mindset and the ability to adapt under pressureHigh level of discretion, confidentiality, and patience in all client and organizational interactionsCommitment to Legal Aid's mission of expanding access to justicePreferred QualificationsExperience in a legal, nonprofit, or social services setting.Bilingual or multilingual skills, particularly Spanish.Familiarity with case management systems or legal technology platforms.LocationThis role is an in-person role based in Legal Aid's Joplin, Missouri office. Regular in-office attendance is the expectation for this role. Legal Aid offers flexible work arrangements to support employees in maintaining schedules that enable them to perform at their best.Compensation and BenefitsThe salary for this position starts at $51,750 on Legal Aid's formal salary scale. Placement above the starting point is based on years of relevant experience and internal equity. Employees who demonstrate fluency in a second language are eligible for an annual salary supplement of $3,600Legal Aid offers a comprehensive benefits package including:Medical Plans with PPO or HSA optionsDental PlanVision PlanLife InsuranceShort-Term DisabilityLong-Term DisabilityAccident InsuranceCritical Illness InsuranceFlexible Spending Accounts for medical or dependent careHealth Savings AccountsPaid CLE and Bar DuesPaid Time Off: Vacation, Sick, Personal and HolidaysQualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness programTravel and parking reimbursement401k and up to 3.5% employer match