The posting
For 50 years, Bet Tzedek has provided free, high-quality legal services to Holocaust survivors, believing that no survivor should live in poverty or without the necessities of life. Bet Tzedek is one of the only legal services agencies in the United States that offers services designed to meet the unique needs of aging Holocaust survivors, including assistance with government benefits, preserving access to caregiving and other community-based services, protection from abuse and neglect, end of life planning, and representation in Holocaust reparations claims. Currently, more than half of our clients are Russian-speaking survivors from the former Soviet Union.
Bet Tzedek seeks to add a temporary Paralegal who is fluent in Russian to support to the team in providing holistic services through a person-centered, trauma informed practice model (PCTI). The role of the temporary Holocaust Paralegal is to work effectively with Holocaust Survivors who require assistance to successfully age in place. The Paralegal must present as warm, patient, compassionate, and eager to support this vulnerable population. Tasks relating to legal issues will be conducted “under the supervision of staff attorneys.”
This position will require the candidate to work at Bet Tzedek’s main office. While the primary workplace is Bet Tzedek’s offices, at the discretion of the immediate supervisor, the candidate may be permitted to work remotely at home visits or may be required to work in other locations depending on workload/business obligations.
Requirements
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Support assistance to Holocaust Services Program attorney in managing a large case load of 200-300 annually, including Holocaust reparations, public benefits, housing, advance planning, and other services all using trauma informed practice model.
- Under attorney supervision, coordinate and conduct screening and intake interviews, in English and Russian, to identify survivors’ legal needs and eligibility for services.
- Work closely with team members to communicate via phone, email, and mail, with clients, caregivers, agents, and family members.
- Attend home visits and other field client meetings in the field as necessary.
- Assist with outreach to the Holocaust survivor community and to social services agencies that assist survivors.
- Assist with translating Holocaust program written materials and correspondence into Russian.
- Using case management tools, maintain, track, and compile Holocaust program intakes, prescreening, and other program data and metrics.
- Prepare and maintain digital and paper files and records, including correspondence, communications, case notes, case files, client documents, reports, etc.
- Schedule and coordinate of internal and external meetings and events, including handling logistics, agenda, minutes, and RSVPs.
- Work with volunteers, law clerks, and pro bono attorneys to support client services .
- Perform clerical work as required, including but not limited to photocopying, scanning, and filing.
- Other duties may be assigned.
Qualifications:
- A paralegal certificate/degree in paralegal studies from an ABA-approved institution or bachelor's degree and at least 1 year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the California bar for the preceding 3 years (required);
- Russian language proficiency and ability to provide written and oral Russian & English translations (required).
- At least 2 years of law firm experience supporting multiple attorneys (preferred);
- Thorough knowledge of legal terminology, court rules, and procedures (preferred);
- Proficiency with the Internet and Web based applications (required);
- MS Office and legal database (Lexis/Nexis) proficiency (required);
- Experience in state court systems, including Los Angeles County Superior court e-filing systems (preferred)
- Experience managing and coordinating volunteers (preferred);
- Demonstrated competency in public speaking and strong interpersonal skills (required);
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills and ability to work in a high-volume environment (required);
- A strong communicator who can communicate clearly both in written and verbal form, is sensitive to nuances in interpersonal relationships and communications, and is professional, empathetic, and diplomatic in all interactions (required).
- Demonstrated commitment to Bet Tzedek’s mission to provide free legal services to those who need them most (required); and
- Demonstrated commitment to applying principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in performance of job duties (required).
- Demonstrated strength in organization, time management, and attention to detail; ability to consistently manage multiple projects and details in a fast-paced, dynamic, complex, and frequently evolving environment (required).
HOW TO APPLY:
Please visit https://bettzedek.org/careers/ to submit a letter of interest, and resume. Please, no phone calls.
Note: This position is a temporary position. All positions are subject to funding; ongoing funding or employment is not assured. Bet Tzedek is a unionized environment. Our salary range for unionized positions reflects our agreed upon step placement system, and the final offer extended to candidates is based on an internal equity review and candidates’ relevant experience, skills, background, and bar date, if applicable. To best serve our communities Bet Tzedek seeks a diverse staff with cultural competency reflecting our client populations. We strongly encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities and historically oppressed groups to apply.
Links: CBA 2023-2025, 2026 Collective Bargaining TAs
