Position Summary

The Rural Kiosk Paralegal supports and expands the Rural Kiosk Network’s legal programs to improve access to justice for self-represented litigants. This position helps manage kiosk programs, supports legal programs with paralegal services, and builds partnerships with community organizations, Texas courts, libraries, shelters, and other TLSC partners to improve assisted pro se services and clinical programs. Together, these partners and initiatives connect self-represented litigants with legal information, resources, and court services. 

As an essential member of the TexasLawHelp Kiosk Program, the Rural Kiosk Paralegal builds and supports a network of remote court kiosks across Texas. The Paralegal also performs general office and intake duties, including answering phones, emails, and online chats; responding to online inquiries; filing, managing, and drafting documents; scheduling for attorneys; copying, scanning, and faxing; and completing intake for low-income individuals seeking legal services. 

The Paralegal maintains high ethical and professional standards, adheres to the American Bar Association Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid, and supports TLSC’s overall mission. The position also follows all grant requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and confidentiality rules when working with TLSC staff, legal aid programs, courts, government agencies, funders, and the public. 

This is a grant-funded position.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Not applicable to this position. 

Essential Functions

Kiosk Network Coordination

• Work with the Program Manager, Managing Attorney, and other relevant TLSC staff to develop, coordinate, moderate, and grow the Kiosk Network.

• Lead Kiosk Network partner meetings and build collaboration, solve problems, and advance Kiosk Network goals and objectives.

• Serve as a Kiosk Navigator when needed and help self-represented litigants using Zoom and other technology to effectively attend virtual hearings and legal aid clinics

• Serve as a liaison with third-party technical support companies and help resolve kiosk technology issues. 

• Develop network written and verbal communications, including progress updates, milestone reports, trend and outcome reports, newsletters, and user satisfaction surveys.

• Work with network partners, judges, court staff, librarians, and other stakeholders to develop website content and a statewide outreach plan. 

• Support and help manage relationships with legal aid partners funded by the Texas Access to Justice Rural Legal Aid Initiative.

• Keep TexasLawHelp resources and the network plan current and ensure that information is clear and consistent. 

• Help develop free, useful resources and information resources to support kiosk users.

Paralegal & Administrative Support

• Conduct intake and pre-acceptance screening to identify legal issues, collect needed information, and enter accurate data into the case management system while protecting client confidentiality. 

• Conduct legal research and fact investigations; communicate with third parties; and help draft, revise, and file legal documents. 

• Communicate with clients, court staff, and other parties as needed. 

• Track and calendar appointments and deadlines, and complete tasks on time to allow for required legal document review and approval. 

• Stay informed about community resources and refer clients to appropriate services.

• Protect client and employee confidentiality when handling communications, files, documents, and confidential discussions. 

  Competencies

• Bilingual in Spanish and English, written and oral (preferred).

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

• Experience working with Adobe, Microsoft Planner, SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive.

• Strong organization and attention to detail skills.

• Exceptional and diplomatic verbal and written communication skills.

• Outstanding interpersonal and collaboration skills.

• Experience working with and compiling a large amount of information as well as developing concise and accurate reports.

• Proficiency in, or ability to learn, LegalServer (TLSC’s case management system).

• Ability to work with clients in a patient, trauma-informed, and non-judgmental manner.

• Strong time management skills.

• Ability to travel out of town, including overnight stays.

General
• 50% Travel to courts, partner worksites, meetings, and outreach events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Monthly travel to Austin for in-person team meetings. 

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in one of the following fields: Business Management, IT and/or Technical Support, Paralegal Studies, or Social Work; OR high school graduation or equivalent with a Paralegal certificate from an accredited institution or a minimum of 1 year of experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant.

• Experience coordinating and scheduling groups in person and virtual meetings.

• Experience providing limited technical support to users.

• Experience supporting staff and producing successful user outcomes. 

• Experience with developing and retaining partner business relationships.

• Familiarity with the Texas court system, including communicating with court administrators, setting hearings, and court procedures.

Licensure and/or Certification

A Paralegal certificate from an accredited paralegal training program is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary work that involves sitting most of the time.

• Occasional bending, squatting, and kneeling.

• Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and a negligible amount of force as needed, at times to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.