Job Openings

West Tennessee Legal Services (WTLS) seeks a strong strategic planner to serve as Executive Director to lead non-profit community-based provider of civil legal advocacy. WTLS is dedicated to helping individuals, families and at-risk communities in rural West Tennessee access their legal rights. WTLS provides legal assistance to the low-income residents of 17 rural counties in the areas of housing, elder law, individual rights community education, benefits, health, and domestic relations. WTLS receives funding from the Legal Services Corporation and from a variety of local, state, regional and national organizations.

WTLS has been well-served by its highly regarded Executive Director, who will be retiring after 7 years in this position. The successful applicant will work closely with WTLS`s dedicated Board and Staff to continue the program`s longstanding commitment to WTLS`s mission. WTLS seeks an Executive Director with a vision and commitment to lead WTLS into the future.

Key Priorities

• Recruit and develop staff to provide high quality legal representation for and advocacy on behalf of low income individuals and families in rural Tennessee
• A commitment and outlook for innovative solutions to future challenges
• Network at the local, state, regional and national level to create and strengthen relationships with collaborative partners and funders
• Guide and implement an ongoing planning process with WTLS Board and staff which builds on program strengths with a vision for the future
• Strengthen WTLS`s fiscal stability by seeking traditional and non-traditional funding sources to increase capacity toward its core mission
• Lead staff in maintaining compliance with grant requirements and budget
• Creatively utilize technology to improve service to the client community and allow staff to work more effectively and efficiently

Core Competencies

• A Juris Doctorate and licensed to practice law in Tennessee
• A willingness to engage individuals within the client community and agencies that serve them
• Local, state and national relationship builder and community connector
• Legal aid or public interest work experience preferred
• Successful track record in resource development and fundraising. Experience with grant writing and grant compliance required
• Prior management experience involving staff supervision, financial oversight and budget development
• A persuasive and passionate communicator willing to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures
• Leadership, professionalism, integrity, energy, compassion and sense of humor

About West Tennessee Legal Services

WTLS is a community-based provider of civil legal advocacy helping individuals, families and at-risk communities access their legal rights.

WTLS was established in 1977. It now serves 17 counties in West Tennessee. The service area is primarily rural, and includes part of the Mississippi delta area, and serves a poverty population of over 100,000 people. WTLS has a staff of 41, including 18 attorneys and 23 non-attorney professionals with offices located in Jackson, Dyersburg, Huntingdon, and Selmer. The Executive Director would be located in the Jackson office.

WTLS provides legal representation to its eligible client populations in West Tennessee with both public and private funding; develops and implements the most effective method of delivering legal assistance; sponsors education and research in poverty law areas; educates the private Bar and encourages their involvement; conducts programs to each low income individuals and those who work with them to recognize problems that can and should be addressed by legal aid lawyers; and cooperates and partners with other public and private agencies who serve our constituents.

WTLS is a HUD approved Housing Counseling agency, a HUS approved National Housing Counseling Intermediary/Organization, and also a Qualified Fair Housing Organization.

WTLS has an annual budget of over $4.7 million from federal, state and local sources, including both governmental and private funding, totaling over 40 funding sources. Each funding source conducts regular programmatic and fiscal monitoring and has found WTLS to be compliant.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. In order to receive full consideration, however, candidates are urged to submit their materials before September 15, 2023. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter expressing in detail why they are interested in the position of Executive Director of West Tennessee Legal Services, as well as what they believe they can contribute to the future of WTLS and its client communities. The letter should be accompanied by a current resume and names with contact information for three professional references. Materials should be submitted electronically to edsearch@wtls.org in Microsoft Word or PDF formant. Candidates with questions about the position or process should contact Board Chair Vanedda Prince Webb at (731) 285-6677 or at the aforementioned email address.

1. Salary: $120,000-$140,000 DOE. West Tennessee Legal Services offers a generous benefit package including the ability to participate in WTLS’ health insurance plan, dental plan, LTD, Life Insurance, legal malpractice coverage, bar association and professional tax fees paid, Annual Leave (based on years of experience starting at 1 day earned per month), paid Sick Leave (12 days per year), and all paid Holidays (11 + the week off between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

WTLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and handicapped persons are encourages to apply. For more information about West Tennessee Legal Services, please visit www.wtls.org.

JOB DESCRIPTION

West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc. (WTLS) has an immediate opening for a Staff Attorney in our Jackson, Huntingdon, or Dyersburg, Tennessee office.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: WTLS represents clients in civil legal matters and works with community organizations and client groups. Candidates should have a strong commitment to access to justice for low-income West Tennesseans who face problems affecting basic rights to shelter, income security, financial security, and freedom from abuse.

This position is funded 80% under the Legal Services for Veterans (LSV) grant with the Veterans Administration. The position’s remaining 20% is funded to provide civil legal assistance to victims of domestic violence.

The LSV project’s focus is providing legal services to eligible Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The goal is assist homeless and at-risk Veterans who have unaddressed needs for legal services that create barriers to housing stability. Grant positions are funded through the duration of the grant and subsequent renewal could result in modification of job duties and responsibilities.  

The attorney will provide holistic civil legal services to homeless and at-risk Veterans in the WTLS service area. As part of a holistic approach, representation may include varying areas of law, administrative advocacy, and litigation in state and federal courts. Case types will include housing, protective orders, access to healthcare, consumer protection, employment law, and access to benefits.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: 

• Provide legal advice and representation in civil legal matters affecting housing stability to homeless and at-risk Veterans (80%);
• Provide civil legal advice and representation to victims of domestic violence (20%);
• Provide outreach and education activities for Veteran population;
• Build referral partnerships with community and government agencies serving homeless or at-risk Veterans;
• Meet the requirements of the LSV project;
• Keep contemporaneous time records and maintain case notes in case management system;
• Comply with funder requirements, the Legal Services Corporation requirements, and the American Bar Association’s Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid;
• Perform such other duties as reasonably requested.

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.

1. J.D. Degree;
2. Current licensure in good standing in Tennessee or eligible for reciprocity and willing to secure reciprocity;
3. VA Accredited Representative or willing to obtain accreditation within first 4 months of employment;
4. Background check, including references, that is complete and free of concerns;
5. General practice experience, including litigation experience, or willingness to participate in appropriate trainings;
6. Ability to conduct research and analysis;
7. Ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions;
8. Ability to draft legally sufficient pleadings and other legal documents, including creating concise and persuasive arguments;
9. Effective communication skills sufficient to represent clients in legal hearings, meetings, negotiations, or administrative proceedings; to give public presentations, conduct trainings, and do client outreach;
10. Experience working with or sensitivity to specialized client populations;
11. Experience working with or sensitivity to individuals from ethnic or language distinct communities;
12. Sufficient computer skills to be able to maintain client records, prepare documents, and maintain contemporaneous time records;
13. Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Adobe Professional; and
14. Ability to competently use company software packages.

TRAVEL, WORK HOURS, SUPERVISION: 

1. Travel: This position routinely requires local travel, which requires a valid State of Tennessee driver’s license. It also requires travel across the State of Tennessee on a limited basis.
2. Work Hours: This position’s typical work hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., except for holidays. A lunch break of at least 30 minutes must be taken some time between the hours of 11:30-2:00 every day for any day the employee is scheduled to work over 6 hours. Work hours must be accurate and contemporaneously recorded.
3. Supervision: The Staff Attorney is under the supervision of the LSV Project Manager.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

1. Compensation: DOE. Starting salary for newly admitted attorneys is $58,155. This is a full-time position paid bi-monthly on the 5th and 20th of each month.
2. Benefits:  Full-time benefits include the ability to participate in WTLS’ health insurance plan, dental plan, LTD, Life Insurance, paid Annual Leave (based on years of experience starting at 1 day earned per month), paid Sick Leave (12 days per year), and all paid Holidays (11 + the week off between Christmas and New Year’s Day).

HOW TO APPLY:  Send applications via email in Word or PDF format to Hiring@wtls.org . Applicants must include a cover letter specifying preferred office location, resume, writing sample, and three references with phone numbers.  Applications will be accepted, and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. No inquiries accepted. Only applicants scheduled for interviews will be notified.

WTLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

JOB DESCRIPTION

West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc. (WTLS) has an immediate opening for a Medical Legal Partnership/School Partnership Attorney in our Jackson, Tennessee office.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: WTLS represents clients in civil legal matters and works with community organizations and client groups. Candidates should have a strong commitment to access to justice for low-income West Tennesseans who face problems affecting basic rights to shelter, income security, financial security, and freedom from abuse.

This position is funded under the Family-Centered Legal Solutions (FCLS) grant with Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS). The project’s focus is providing outreach, education, and legal advocacy to low-income families with children. Grant positions are funded through the duration of the grant and subsequent renewal could result in modification of job duties and responsibilities.

SUMMARY: The attorney will work with local school districts, medical providers, and juvenile courts to develop education and referral relationships and meet families where they are. The attorney will focus on providing holistic civil legal services to families with children in the public school system or receiving medical care. As part of a holistic approach, representation may include varying areas of law, administrative advocacy, and litigation in state and federal courts. Case types will include family law, juvenile law, consumer law, health and benefits, access to education, simple estate planning, and other holistic services to stabilize the family unit.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: 

• Provide legal advice and representation in civil legal matters affecting low-income families;
• Build education and referral relationships with local school districts, medical providers, and juvenile courts;
• Maintain office hours, as requested, at medical facilities, schools, and courts;
• Provide outreach and education activities for client population;
• Meet the requirements of the Family-Centered Legal Solutions project;
• Keep contemporaneous time records and maintain case notes in case management system;
• Comply with funder requirements, the Legal Services Corporation requirements, and the American Bar Association’s Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid;
• Perform such other duties as reasonably requested.

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.

1. J.D. Degree;
2. Current licensure in good standing in Tennessee or eligible for reciprocity and willing to secure reciprocity;
3. Background check, including references, that is complete and free of concerns;
4. General practice experience, including litigation experience, or willingness to participate in appropriate trainings;
5. Ability to conduct research and analysis;
6. Ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions;
7. Ability to draft legally sufficient pleadings and other legal documents, including creating concise and persuasive arguments;
8. Effective communication skills sufficient to represent clients in legal hearings, meetings, negotiations, or administrative proceedings; to give public presentations, conduct trainings, and do client outreach;
9. Experience working with or sensitivity to specialized client populations;
10. Experience working with or sensitivity to individuals from ethnic or language distinct communities;
11. Sufficient computer skills to be able to maintain client records, prepare documents, and maintain contemporaneous time records;
12. Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Adobe Professional; and
13. Ability to competently use company software packages.

TRAVEL, WORK HOURS, SUPERVISION: 

1. Travel: This position routinely requires local travel, which requires a valid State of Tennessee driver’s license. It also requires travel across the State of Tennessee on a limited basis.
2. Work Hours: This position’s typical work hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., except for holidays. A lunch break of at least 30 minutes must be taken some time between the hours of 11:30-2:00 every day for any day the employee is scheduled to work over 6 hours. Work hours must be accurate and contemporaneously recorded.
3. Supervision: The MLP-School Partnership Attorney is under the supervision of the FCLS Project Managing Attorney.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

1. Compensation: DOE. is a full-time position paid bi-monthly on the 5th and 20th of each month.
2. Benefits:  Full-time benefits include the ability to participate in WTLS’ health insurance plan, dental plan, LTD, Life Insurance, paid Annual Leave (based on years of experience starting at 1 day earned per month), paid Sick Leave (12 days per year), and all paid Holidays (11 + the week off between Christmas and New Year’s Day).

HOW TO APPLY:  Send applications via email in Word or PDF format to Hiring@wtls.org . Applicants must include a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references with phone numbers.  Applications will be accepted and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. No inquiries accepted. Only applicants scheduled for interviews will be notified.

WTLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

JOB DESCRIPTION

West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc. (WTLS) has an immediate opening for a Staff Attorney in our Selmer (preferred), Jackson, Huntingdon, or Dyersburg, Tennessee office.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: WTLS represents clients in civil legal matters and works with community organizations and client groups. Candidates should have a strong commitment to access to justice for low-income West Tennesseans who face problems affecting basic rights to shelter, income security, financial security, and freedom from abuse.

This position is funded under the Family-Centered Legal Solutions (FCLS) grant with Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS). The project’s focus is providing outreach, education, and legal advocacy to low-income families with children. Grant positions are funded through the duration of the grant and subsequent renewal could result in modification of job duties and responsibilities.  

The attorney will provide holistic civil legal services to families with children in the WTLS service area. As part of a holistic approach, representation may include varying areas of law, administrative advocacy, and litigation in state and federal courts. Case types will include family law, juvenile law, consumer law, health and benefits, access to education, simple estate planning, and other holistic services to stabilize the family unit.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: 

• Provide legal advice and representation in civil legal matters affecting low-income families;
• Provide outreach and education activities for client population;
• Meet the requirements of the Family-Centered Legal Solutions project;
• Keep contemporaneous time records and maintain case notes in case management system;
• Comply with funder requirements, the Legal Services Corporation requirements, and the American Bar Association’s Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid;
• Perform such other duties as reasonably requested.

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.

1. J.D. Degree;
2. Current licensure in good standing in Tennessee or eligible for reciprocity and willing to secure reciprocity;
3. Background check, including references, that is complete and free of concerns;
4. General practice experience, including litigation experience, or willingness to participate in appropriate trainings;
5. Ability to conduct research and analysis;
6. Ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions;
7. Ability to draft legally sufficient pleadings and other legal documents, including creating concise and persuasive arguments;
8. Effective communication skills sufficient to represent clients in legal hearings, meetings, negotiations, or administrative proceedings; to give public presentations, conduct trainings, and do client outreach;
9. Experience working with or sensitivity to specialized client populations;
10. Experience working with or sensitivity to individuals from ethnic or language distinct communities;
11. Sufficient computer skills to be able to maintain client records, prepare documents, and maintain contemporaneous time records;
12. Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Adobe Professional; and
13. Ability to competently use company software packages.

TRAVEL, WORK HOURS, SUPERVISION: 

1. Travel: This position routinely requires local travel, which requires a valid State of Tennessee driver’s license. It also requires travel across the State of Tennessee on a limited basis.
2. Work Hours: This position’s typical work hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., except for holidays. A lunch break of at least 30 minutes must be taken some time between the hours of 11:30-2:00 every day for any day the employee is scheduled to work over 6 hours. Work hours must be accurate and contemporaneously recorded.
3. Supervision: The Staff Attorney is under the supervision of the FCLS Project Managing Attorney.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

1. Compensation: DOE. is a full-time position paid bi-monthly on the 5th and 20th of each month.
2. Benefits:  Full-time benefits include the ability to participate in WTLS’ health insurance plan, dental plan, LTD, Life Insurance, paid Annual Leave (based on years of experience starting at 1 day earned per month), paid Sick Leave (12 days per year), and all paid Holidays (11 + the week off between Christmas and New Year’s Day).

HOW TO APPLY:  Send applications via email in Word or PDF format to Hiring@wtls.org . Applicants must include a cover letter specifying preferred office location, resume, writing sample, and three references with phone numbers.  Applications will be accepted and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. No inquiries accepted. Only applicants scheduled for interviews will be notified.

WTLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc. (WTLS) has immediate openings for a Paralegal in our Selmer, Jackson, Huntingdon, or Dyersburg, Tennessee office.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: WTLS represents clients in civil legal matters and works with community organizations and client groups. Candidates should have a strong commitment to access to justice for low-income West Tennesseans who face problems affecting basic rights to shelter, income security, financial security, and freedom from abuse.

This position is funded 65% with Eviction Prevention funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This project focuses on increasing housing stability for renters at or below 80% of the Area Median Income through outreach, education, and legal advocacy to renters at risk or subject to an eviction action. The position’s remaining 35% is funded under the Family-Centered Legal Solutions (FCLS) grant with Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS). The project’s focus is providing outreach, education, and legal advocacy to low-income families with children. Grant positions are funded through the duration of the grant and subsequent renewal could result in modification of job duties and responsibilities.

Under the supervision of professional staff, this staff member conducts client interviews, gathers project eligibility information, and conducts legal needs assessments. This individual will also provide attorney support, such as document preparation and file maintenance, and perform education and outreach to community partners.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following tasks:

Interview clients;

Perform legal needs assessments;

Gather project eligibility information;

Conduct food stamp/benefit screenings;

Maintain accurate and contemporaneous case notes;

Draft letters, memoranda, and other documents;

Research, as needed;

Engage in limited negotiations with housing providers to obtain mutually agreeable terms for lease terminations, repairs, and other landlord/tenant matters,

Coordinate with attorneys to organize and perform paralegal duties at day-of-court clinics throughout WTLS’ service area

Distribute community education materials;

Speak at community events;

Perform general office work, such as filing, answering phone, and typing;

Maintain contemporaneous timekeeping; and

Perform other duties as may reasonably be requested.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE:  Below is the minimum level of education and/or experience needed to successfully accomplish the essential duties of this job.

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and equivalent to one-year related experience and/or training equivalent to a Paralegal Certificate or Associate’s degree; or

Paralegal Certificate from college or technical school; or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience; or

Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience; and

Ability to work independently;

Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Professional;

Demonstrated experience working with the public;

Excellent analytical, problem solving, computer, and verbal and written communication skills;

Demonstrated ability to handle a demanding workload; and

Ability to work collaboratively, both within WTLS and with community partners.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical requirements of this position include the ability to:

Stand

Walk

Sit

Use hands to finger, handle, or feel

Reach with hands and arms

Climb stairs

Balance

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

Lift up to 20 pounds

TRAVEL, WORK HOURS, SUPERVISION:

Travel: This position routinely may require local travel, which requires a valid State of Tennessee driver’s license. It also may require travel across the State of Tennessee on a limited basis.

Work Hours: This position’s typical work hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., except for holidays. A lunch break of at least 30 minutes must be taken between the hours of 11:30-2:00 every day for any day the employee is scheduled to work over 6 hours. Work hours must be accurate and reported on a time sheet contemporaneously.

Supervision: The paralegal is under the supervision of the Housing Managing Attorney.

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:

Compensation: Starting salary is $44,458. This is a full-time position paid bi-monthly on the 5th and 20th of each month.

Benefits: Full-time benefits include the ability to participate in WTLS’ health insurance plan, dental plan, LTD, Life Insurance, paid Annual Leave (based on years of experience starting at 1 day earned per month), paid Sick Leave (12 days per year), and all paid Holidays (11 + the week off between Christmas and New Year’s Day).

HOW TO APPLY: Send applications via email in Word or PDF format to Hiring@wtls.org . Applicants must include a cover letter specifying their preferred office location, resume, writing sample, and three references with phone numbers. Applications will be accepted and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. No inquiries accepted. Only applicants scheduled for interviews will be notified.

WTLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc. (WTLS) has an immediate opening for an intake staff member in our

POSITION DESCRIPTION: WTLS represents clients in civil legal matters and works with community organizations and client groups. Can

PARALEGAL JOB DESCRIPTION

West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc. (WTLS) has immediate openings for a Paralegal in our Selmer, Jackson, Huntingdon, or Dyersburg, Tennessee office.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: WTLS represents clients in civil legal matters and works with community organizations and client groups. Candidates should have a strong commitment to access to justice for low-income West Tennesseans who face problems affecting basic rights to shelter, income security, financial security, and freedom from abuse.

This position is funded 80% under the Family-Centered Legal Solutions (FCLS) grant with Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS). The project’s focus is providing outreach, education, and legal advocacy to low-income families with children. The position’s remaining 20% is funded under the Legal Services for Veterans (LSV) grant with the Veterans Administration. The LSV project’s focus is providing legal services to eligible Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The goal is to assist homeless and at-risk Veterans who have unaddressed needs for legal services that create barriers to housing stability. Grant positions are funded through the duration of the grant and subsequent renewal could result in modification of job duties and responsibilities.

Under the supervision of professional staff, this staff member conducts client interviews, gathers project eligibility information, and conducts legal needs assessments. This individual will also provide attorney support, such as document preparation and file maintenance, and perform education and outreach to community partners.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following tasks:
1. Interview clients;
2. Perform legal needs assessments;
3. Gather project eligibility information;
4. Conduct food stamp/benefit screenings;
5. Maintain accurate and contemporaneous case notes;
6. Draft letters, memoranda, and other documents;
7. Research, as needed;
8. Distribute community education materials;
9. Speak at community events;
10. Perform general office work, such as filing, answering phone, and typing;
11. Maintain contemporaneous timekeeping; and
12. Perform other duties as may reasonably be requested.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE: Below is the minimum level of education and/or experience needed to successfully accomplish the essential duties of this job.
1. High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and equivalent to one-year related experience and/or training equivalent to a Paralegal Certificate or Associate’s degree; or
2. Paralegal Certificate from college or technical school; or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience; or
3. Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience; and
4. Ability to work independently;
5. Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Professional;
6. Demonstrated experience working with the public;
7. Excellent analytical, problem solving, computer, and verbal and written communication skills;
8. Demonstrated ability to handle a demanding workload; and
9. Ability to work collaboratively, both within WTLS and with community partners.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical requirements of this position include the ability to:
• Stand
• Walk
• Sit
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel
• Reach with hands and arms
• Climb stairs
• Balance
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Lift up to 20 pounds

TRAVEL, WORK HOURS, SUPERVISION:
1. Travel: This position routinely may require local travel, which requires a valid State of Tennessee driver’s license. It also may require travel across the State of Tennessee on a limited basis.
2. Work Hours: This position’s typical work hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., except for holidays. A lunch break of at least 30 minutes must be taken between the hours of 11:30-2:00 every day for any day the employee is scheduled to work over 6 hours. Work hours must be accurate and reported on a time sheet contemporaneously.
3. Supervision: The paralegal is under the supervision of the FCLS Project Managing Attorney.

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:
1. Compensation: Starting salary is $44,458. This is a full-time position paid bi-monthly on the 5th and 20th of each month.
2. Benefits: Full-time benefits include the ability to participate in WTLS’ health insurance plan, dental plan, LTD, Life Insurance, paid Annual Leave (based on years of experience starting at 1 day earned per month), paid Sick Leave (12 days per year), and all paid Holidays (11 + the week off between Christmas and New Year’s Day).

HOW TO APPLY: Send applications via email in Word or PDF format to Hiring@wtls.org . Applicants must include a cover letter specifying their preferred office location, resume, writing sample, and three references with phone numbers. Applications will be accepted and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. No inquiries accepted. Only applicants scheduled for interviews will be notified. West Tennessee Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. WTLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

Candidates should have a strong commitment to access to justice for low-income West Tennesseans who face problems affecting basic rights to shelter, income security, financial security, and freedom from abuse.

Our intake department is the first contact people make with WTLS. Intake staff interview people in need of WTLS services to determine eligibility, gather case facts, identify legal problems, and screen for benefits eligibility. Duties for this position include contemporaneous recording of activities and maintaining electronic files in WTLS’ case management system.

Under the supervision of professional staff, this staff member interviews and pre-screens people in need of WTLS services for potential SNAP eligibility. They give contact information for Tennessee Department of Human Services when potentially eligible households are identified and interact with groups to provide information and materials about SNAP.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following tasks:

1. Interview/intake of applicants
2. Perform legal needs assessments on applicants
3. Conduct food stamp/benefit screenings
4. Gather pertinent information about case
5. Maintain accurate and timely case notes in the case management system
6. Research, as needed
7. Distribute community education materials
8. Speak to the public at health fairs, community agencies, etc.
9. Perform general office work, such as filing, answering phone, typing, etc.
10. Maintain contemporaneous timekeeping
11. Perform other duties as may reasonably be requested.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE:  Below is the minimum level of education and/or experience needed to successfully accomplish the essential duties of this job.

1. High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and equivalent to one-year related experience and/or training equivalent to a Paralegal Certificate or Associate’s degree; or
2. Paralegal Certificate from college or technical school; or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience; or
3. Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience; and
4. Ability to work independently;
5. Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Adobe professional;
6. Demonstrated experience working with the public;
7. Excellent analytical, problem solving, computer, and verbal and written communication skills;
8. Demonstrated ability to handle a demanding workload; and
9. Ability to work collaboratively, both within WTLS and with community partners.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical requirements of this position include the ability to:

• Stand
• Walk
• Sit
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel
• Reach with hands and arms
• Climb stairs
• Balance
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Lift up to 20 pounds

TRAVEL, WORK HOURS, SUPERVISION:

1. Travel: This position routinely may require local travel, which requires a valid State of Tennessee driver’s license. It also may require travel across the State of Tennessee on a limited basis.
2. Work Hours: This position’s typical work hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., except for holidays. A lunch break of at least 30 minutes must be taken some time between the hours of 11:30-2:00 every day for any day the employee is scheduled to work over 6 hours. Work hours must be accurate and contemporaneously recorded.
3. Supervision: The intake staff member is under the supervision of the Intake Managing Attorney.

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:

1. Compensation: Starting salary is $44,458. This is a full-time position paid bi-monthly on the 5th and 20th of each month.
2. Benefits: Full-time benefits include the ability to participate in WTLS’ health insurance plan, dental plan, LTD, Life Insurance, paid Annual Leave (based on years of experience starting at 1 day earned per month), paid Sick Leave (12 days per year), and all paid Holidays (11 + the week off between Christmas and New Year’s Day).

HOW TO APPLY: Send applications via email in Word or PDF format to Hiring@wtls.org. Applicants must include a , resume, writing sample, and three references with phone numbers.  Applications will be accepted and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. No inquiries accepted. Only applicants scheduled for interviews will be notified.

WTLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

PARALEGAL 

West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc. (WTLS) has immediate openings for Paralegals in our Selmer, Jackson, Huntingdon, and Dyersburg, Tennessee offices.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: WTLS represents clients in civil legal matters and works with community organizations and client groups. Candidates should have a strong commitment to access to justice for low-income West Tennesseans who face problems affecting basic rights to shelter, income security, financial security, and freedom from abuse.

This position is funded under the Family-Centered Legal Solutions (FCLS) grant with Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS). The project’s focus is providing outreach, education, and legal advocacy to low-income families with children. Grant positions are funded through the duration of the grant and subsequent renewal could result in modification of job duties and responsibilities.

Under the supervision of professional staff, this staff member conducts client interviews, gathers project eligibility information, and conducts legal needs assessments. This individual will also provide attorney support, such as document preparation and file maintenance, and perform education and outreach to community partners.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following tasks:

1. Interview clients;
2. Perform legal needs assessments;
3. Gather project eligibility information;
4. Conduct food stamp/benefit screenings;
5. Maintain accurate and contemporaneous case notes;
6. Draft letters, memoranda, and other documents;
7. Research, as needed;
8. Distribute community education materials;
9. Speak at community events;
10. Perform general office work, such as filing, answering phone, and typing;
11. Maintain contemporaneous timekeeping; and
12. Perform other duties as may reasonably be requested.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE:  Below is the minimum level of education and/or experience needed to successfully accomplish the essential duties of this job.

1. High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and equivalent to one-year related experience and/or training equivalent to a Paralegal Certificate or Associate’s degree;or
2. Paralegal Certificate from college or technical school; or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience; or
3. Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience; and
4. Ability to work independently;
5. Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Professional;
6. Demonstrated experience working with the public;
7. Excellent analytical, problem solving, computer, and verbal and written communication skills;
8. Demonstrated ability to handle a demanding workload; and
9. Ability to work collaboratively, both within WTLS and with community partners.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical requirements of this position include the ability to:

• Stand
• Walk
• Sit
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel
• Reach with hands and arms
• Climb stairs
• Balance
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Lift up to 20 pounds

TRAVEL, WORK HOURS, SUPERVISION:

1. Travel: This position routinely may require local travel, which requires a valid State of Tennessee driver’s license. It also may require travel across the State of Tennessee on a limited basis.
2. Work Hours: This position’s typical work hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., except for holidays. A lunch break of at least 30 minutes must be taken some time between the hours of 11:30-2:00 every day for any day the employee is scheduled to work over 6 hours. Work hours must be accurate and reported on a time sheet contemporaneously.
3. Supervision: The paralegal is under the supervision of the FCLS Project Managing Attorney.

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:

1. Compensation: Starting salary is $44,458. This is a full-time position paid bi-monthly on the 5th and 20th of each month.
2. Benefits: Full-time benefits include the ability to participate in WTLS’ health insurance plan, dental plan, LTD, Life Insurance, paid Annual Leave (based on years of experience starting at 1 day earned per month), paid Sick Leave (12 days per year), and all paid Holidays (11 + the week off between Christmas and New Year’s Day).

HOW TO APPLY: Send applications via email in Word or PDF format to Hiring@wtls.org . Applicants must include a cover letter specifying their preferred office location, resume, writing sample, and three references with phone numbers. Applications will be accepted and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. No inquiries accepted. Only applicants scheduled for interviews will be notified.

WTLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.