Paralegal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Legal Assistance for Victims (VOCA), and Kinship Guardianshi

Paralegal – VOCA, LAV, KG

Albuquerque, NM

New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low-income New Mexicans to promote family and economic stability, helping clients access food, shelter, security, and to preserve their unique cultural heritages. NMLA has locations throughout the state, including Santa Ana Pueblo, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Gallup, Roswell, Silver City, and Taos.

This position will be housed in the NMLA Albuquerque, New Mexico office.

New Mexico Legal Aid seeks a Paralegal to provide legal assistance to clients who qualify for services under the following projects: the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) and the CYFD Kinship Guardianship Grant. All three projects offer services for clients located statewide.

The VOCA Project represents victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse/assault, and stalking.

The Legal Assistance for Victims project provides legal assistance to members of the LGBTQ+ community who have experienced discrimination and/or violence because of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

The Kinship Guardianship project provides kinship caregivers access to qualified, support and trauma informed legal services in the form of advice and counsel or representation.

Under the supervision of the Victim's Services Managing Attorney, the Paralegal will provide litigation support to assist victims' rights attorneys and will assist victims.

The paralegal duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Processing applications from clients for legal services.


• General support to attorneys in preparation for court.


• Litigation support


• Drafting pleadings, correspondence and preparation of other written materials.


• Communicating successfully and respectfully with clients.


• Sending referrals to other support service agencies.


• Engaging in outreach activities in the community.


• Assisting attorneys with training to about victims' rights and legal process.


• Collecting and maintaining client information in a database.


• May be required to:




• Attend court with clients.


• Assist clients with obtaining financial aid from state agencies for domestic abuse.


• Monitor cases for victim's rights violations requiring attorney involvement.

Requirements

• Experience as a Paralegal is preferred but will consider exceptionally well-qualified entry-level candidates.


• Experience as a victim advocate and/or victim advocate certification strongly preferred.


• Highly organized


• Familiar with electronic document tracking and must be able to effectively use computer technology, including Microsoft products and remote communications systems, including shared on-line workspaces and web meeting and videoconferencing software, and to collaborate with staff located in multiple offices.


• Candidates also must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.


• Ability to manage multiple tasks.


• Skills to build collaborative relationships within the staff and the community served by NMLA.


• Willing to travel.


• Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.

The position is part of a collective bargaining agreement. Pay is determined by years of experience and set by a union scale; click here to view the salary scale. NMLA provides comprehensive benefits, holiday and leave packages. For information about NMLA's generous benefits, and what it is like to work at NMLA click here.

Company Benefits

• 100% employer-paid BCBS medical, plus dental and vision for employees; generous contributions for dependents


• 3 weeks vacation time, 6 days personal time, plus sick pay and federal holidays off


• Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote).


• 37.5-hour work week


• 403(b) Retirement Plan


• Click here for more information

Salary: $49,077.55 - $70,232.52 DOE.

Application Deadline: Until filled. Resumes reviewed on a rolling basis.

Applicants must submit a current resume, three references, and a cover letter that explains your interest in this position and the mission of NMLA. Your application will not be considered unless we receive all of these documents. To apply, visit: https://newmexicolegalaid.isolvedhire.com/jobs/

Applicants will be subject to a background check. Please do not let this deter you from applying. NMLA is committed to a strong workforce and recognizes that persons with marks on their record may still be able to perform admirably.

NMLA is an EEO Employer.