Job Overview

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. provides free legal assistance to low-income clients in 14 counties and the purpose of this position is to support the coordination of the LSC 2022 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation Project engaged in by Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS), by implementing project plans and coordinating resources to ensure the successful implementation of the project to support FRLS disaster response efforts stemming from Hurricane Ian.

FRLS Disaster Recovery project for Hurricane Ian survivors will provide no-cost legal community outreach and comprehensive legal services to help low-income individuals and household needs during their disaster recovery. Legal services to be provided include, but are not limited to foreclosures, bankruptcies, flood insurance proof of loss preparation and FEMA Flood Directorate Appeals, FEMA recoupment defense, applications for disaster tax relief, civil and disability rights cases, legal counsel for community-based organizations on rebuilding plans, litigation to redress systemic disaster response problems. landlord/tenant Issues concerning repair issues, non-repair, mold concealment, etc., disputes regarding home elevation certificates and flood plain zoning, disputes regarding significant damage determination against homeowners. FRLS will take a holistic approach and offer all legal aid services that are available to individual household needs.

The Assistant to the Project Manager will provide assistance to the Emergency Project Manager to coordinate the entire disaster project. The Assistant to the Project Manager will participate in intake and outreach activities, conduct recruitment activities in coordination with the Human Resources department, assist clients, prepare legal documents, prepare clients for court hearings and mediation, conduct research, interview clients, help attorneys in litigation, and organize and file documents. The Assistant to the Project Manager will also assist with work to expand networks of participation in community events to expand outreach for Hurricane Ian survivors. The Assistant to the Project Manager is under the supervision of the Emergency Project Manager.

Essential Functions

1. Provide excellent administrative support for the activities, meetings, travel, records, and communications of the Project Manager. 

2. Assist with scheduling staff meetings, scheduling events, coordinating, and planning partnership meetings and special events. 

3. Meet multiple deadlines and be involved in and responsible for several tasks concurrently. 

4. Excellent verbal communication and writing skills: Draft letters, email responses, memos, agendas, and other materials on the Project Manager’s behalf, utilizing strong writing skills and excellent editing and proofreading abilities. 

5. Support the Disaster Recovery project with administrative tasks and scheduling, ensure staff compliance with funding source requirements; support administration with requests as needed.

6.  Prepare affidavits, legal correspondence and other documents for project manager and the Disaster Recovery Legal Services Unit. 

7. Organizing and maintaining documents in a paper or electronic filing system.

8. Meeting with clients, attorneys, and other professionals to talk about case details.

9. Filing pleadings with court clerk.

10. Help prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and assisting with other tasks as needed.

11. Prepare briefs, wills, contracts, real estate closing statements, pleadings, appeals, and other legal

documents.

12. Directing and coordinating law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.

13. Other duties assigned

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

1. Paralegal degree or certification preferred or three years or more work experience either as a project assistant or paralegal. 

2. Knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for the clients.

3. Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects and colleagues.

4. Good organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.

5. Ability to work collaboratively, yet independently.

6. Creativity and ability to maximize the use of existing resources.

7. Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Case Management System.

8. Must be familiar with electronic document tracking, able to use computer technology

 effectively, 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. Must be able to effectively communicate with peers, supervisors, clients, and the public.

9.  Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.

10. Have ability to manage multiple tasks. 

11. Must possess the skills to build collaborative relationships between the staff and the community served

 by FRLS.

12. Must be able to effectively work in high pressure situations which involve deadlines.

13. Proficiency in Spanish or Creole is a plus. 

14. Applicants will be subject to a background check. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Maintaining client information in the database(s)

2. Conducting intakes

3. Communicating successfully and respectfully with clients by any available verbal or written means

4. Collection of client data

5. Drafting correspondence and preparing other written materials

6. Providing litigation support.

Working conditions

This position operates in a professional work environment.

Physical requirements

1. This is a largely sedentary role, however, some lifting of office supplies of up to 20 pounds may be required.

2. Must be able to travel throughout Florida, as needed.

Reports

Assists with grant compliance reports as needed and any other report as requested.

EEOC Statement

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc., does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other characteristic protected by federal, state of local law.