Job Summary: WTLS provides free civil legal help to low-income West Tennesseans seeking access to basic rights of shelter, financial security, and freedom from abuse. WTLS works with community organizations and client groups to educate communities about civil legal issues and access to justice. Candidates should have a strong commitment to access to equal justice for West Tennesseans who cannot afford to hire an attorney. 

Under the supervision of the Intake Unit Lead, the Intake Department is the first point of contact for individuals seeking legal services from WTLS. Intake Paralegals play a vital role by interviewing applicants to determine eligibility, gathering case information, identifying legal issues, and screening for public benefit eligibility. Because we receive a high volume of calls, this position requires a motivated individual who enjoys communicating with and helping people. The ability to speak Spanish is required for this role. 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job. The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following tasks: 

• Interview and complete application process, including translation for Spanish-speaking applicants. 

• Perform legal needs assessment on applicants. 

• Conduct food stamp/benefit screenings. 

• Gather pertinent information about client’s legal needs. 

• Maintain accurate and timely case notes in the case management system. 

• Translate documents and correspondence from English to Spanish (and vice versa) as needed to support communications and operations.  

• Research, as needed. 

• Distribute community education materials. 

• Perform general office work, such as filing, answering phone, typing, etc. 

• Maintain contemporaneous timekeeping.  

• Perform other duties as may reasonably be requested. 

General WTLS Duties:   

• Accurately record and update timekeeping entries in real-time, ensuring detailed and precise documentation of work hours, project time allocation, and task completion for reporting and payroll purposes.  

• Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with staff by facilitating effective communication, promoting teamwork, and providing support to ensure a collaborative and productive work environment  

• Participate in staff meetings, board meetings, and other meetings, as requested  

• Serve on internal committees, work groups, and other groups to promote and improve organizational operations  

• Comply with program policies and regulations of the Legal Services Corporation and other funders  

• Comply with relevant portions of the Legal Services Corporation’s Performance Criteria and the American Bar Association’s Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid  

• Comply with all applicable organizational, professional, and legal requirements for confidentiality  

• Perform other duties as may reasonably be requested  

Requirements:  

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and at least six months to one year of related experience and/or training, including experience translating between English and Spanish; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; 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. 

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively. 

• Ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish. 

• Intermediate to expert proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 

• Excellent analytical, problem solving, computer, attention to detail and verbal and written communication skills. 

• Demonstrated ability to handle a demanding workload. 

• Reliable personal transportation and willingness to travel statewide occasionally and to WTLS’ other offices as necessary. 

• Maintain insurability under WTLS’ group auto policy. 

Success Factors:   

• Demonstrate a commitment to the principle of equal justice and advocacy for low-income people by actively participating in initiatives and projects that promote access to legal services for low-income individuals, advocating for their rights, and ensuring their voices are heard and respected in all professional activities 

• Treat clients, staff, and the public with dignity and respect 

• Appreciate the experiences and needs of people of diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds 

• Demonstrate a personal sense of integrity 

• Take ownership of projects and produce solid work products 

• Work as a member of a team and independently including willingness to help others (cooperative) and share knowledge, information, contacts, and experience 

• Address issues in a timely manner 

• Use a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment 

• Handle and prioritize multiple, competing demands 

 Working Conditions:  

• Work during office hours between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A minimum 30-minute break must be taken when at least 6 hours are worked. Work hours must be accurate and contemporaneously recorded. A flextime of work hours may be used, if approved. Your supervisor will consider the needs of the office and the preference of more senior employees before approving flextime. Work after hours or on weekends may be required occasionally.  

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting. 

• Remote work is not guaranteed and may be approved after the successful completion of the 90-day probationary period, and after taking operational needs into consideration.  

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

• Often communicating with people using the phone, email, via video call, or in person.  

• Occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.  

• Travel within the WTLS service area. A valid Tennessee driver’s license is required. 

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Compensation: $44,500 to $52,500 DOE with additional language stipend up to $5,000 annually based on results of ALTA language competency testing. This position is a full-time position, and compensation is made according to the WTLS Salary Scale that became effective on April 28, 2025. 

• Benefits:  Full-time benefits include the ability to participate in WTLS’ health insurance plan, dental plan, vision plan, LTD, Life Insurance, 401k retirement plan, paid Annual Leave (based on years of employment), paid Sick Leave (12 days per year), paid Holidays (12), and paid week off between Christmas and New Year.  

 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. 

 HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must submit a resume and apply by visiting https://wkf.ms/4hdm5cw . 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.   

 This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employee. 

WTLS provides free civil legal help to low-income West Tennesseans seeking access to basic rights of shelter, financial security, and freedom from abuse. WTLS works with community organizations and client groups to educate communities about civil legal issues and access to justice. Candidates should have a strong commitment to access to equal justice for West Tennesseans who cannot afford to hire an attorney. 

The Driver & Outreach Specialist will operate and safely transport staff and materials in a 30-foot box truck (Freightliner with an attached mobile office, also known as our Justice Bus). This position requires navigating highways, rural roads, and city streets throughout West Tennessee and ensuring the safe arrival of passengers and materials.  

The Driver & Outreach Specialist will also work under the supervision of the Disaster Project Manager and will provide outreach to client groups, community providers, courts, schools, medical providers, and other organizations to ensure that disaster survivors and referral partners are aware of available service projects.  

Duties & Responsibilities: 

Driver Responsibilities: 

• Safely operate the Justice Bus (30-foot Freightliner box truck) in compliance with all traffic laws and regulations. 

• Drive the Justice Bus to designated locations throughout West Tennessee, including Memphis, Jackson, Selmer, Huntington, Dyersburg, and surrounding areas. 

• Travel during the workday and some non-traditional hours (nights and weekends), as needed. 

• Park and maneuver the Justice Bus in a variety of environments. 

• Load, unload, and assist with setup and breakdown of outreach/presentation materials (brochures, flyers, tables, chairs, banners, etc.). 

• Learn and operate mobile office features, including power systems, chair lift, and water tanks (gray and black). 

Outreach duties: 

• Develop education and referral relationships with client groups, community providers, courts, schools, medical providers, and other organizations  

• Educate the client service community about WTLS services through speaking engagements and community involvement. 

• Distribute community education materials and ensure materials are updated regularly and strategically placed to reach the target audience effectively. 

• Track distribution and outreach efforts and gather feedback to improve efforts. 

• Build and maintain relationships with key community leaders and organizations to enhance service visibility and outreach. 

• Intake and interview on-site applicants    

• Gather pertinent information about case from applicants    

• Gather project eligibility information   

• Maintain outreach records   

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

• Provide weekly reports, provide data on specifics metrics  

General WTLS Responsibilities:  

• Accurately record and update timekeeping entries in real-time, ensuring detailed and precise documentation of work hours, project time allocation, and task completion for reporting and payroll purposes. 

• Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with staff by facilitating effective communication, promoting teamwork, and providing support to ensure a collaborative and productive work environment. 

• Participate in staff meetings, board meetings, and other meetings, as requested. 

• Serve on internal committees, work groups, and other groups to promote and improve organizational operations, as requested. 

• Comply with program policies and regulations of the Legal Services Corporation and other funders. 

• Comply with relevant portions of the Legal Services Corporation’s Performance Criteria and the American Bar Association’s Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid. 

• Comply with all applicable organizational, professional, and legal requirements for confidentiality. 

• Perform other duties as may reasonably be requested. 

Requirements: 

• Valid Tennessee driver’s license (CDL not required). 

• Minimum age: 21. 

• Minimum of 2 years of driving experience. 

• Clean motor vehicle record, background check, and must pass insurance screening. 

• Must remain insurable under the company’s group auto policy. 

• Ability to drive and manage a 30-foot cargo/box truck (no towing required). 

• Willingness to work evenings, nights, and weekends. 

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. 

• Ability to assist with physical setup and takedown of materials. 

• Effective communication skills sufficient to represent clients and give public presentations, conduct training, and perform client outreach   

• Sufficient computer skills to be able to maintain outreach records, prepare documents, and maintain time records   

• Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Professional, and other company software packages   

Success Factors: 

• Consistently practices safe, defensive driving. 

• Committed to the principle of equal justice and advocacy for low-income communities. 

• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment. 

• Treats clients, colleagues, and the public with respect and dignity. 

• Works both independently and as part of a team. 

• Willing to share knowledge and assist others. 

• Manages multiple priorities and meets deadlines in a timely manner. 

• Effectively engages with individuals from diverse backgrounds. 

Working Conditions: 

• Position requires prolonged driving and sitting. 

• Regular communication with the public, staff, and partners. 

• Frequent travel across West Tennessee; occasional travel outside of West Tennessee may be required. 

• Work often takes place at outreach events and disaster-impacted sites. 

• Schedule includes non-traditional hours (nights and weekends). 

• Must take a minimum 30-minute break after 6 consecutive hours worked. 

• Work hours must be recorded accurately and contemporaneously. 

• Occasional lifting of up to 40 lbs. 

Compensation & Benefits: 

Hourly Rate: $25.00/hour. This position is a part-time position. 

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.  

How to Apply:  Applicants must submit a resume and apply by visiting https://wkf.ms/4umARS1. 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.     

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employee. 

WTLS provides free civil legal help to low-income West Tennesseans seeking to maintain basic rights to shelter, financial security, and freedom from abuse. WTLS works with community organizations and client groups to educate communities about civil legal issues and access to justice. Candidates should have a strong commitment to access to equal justice for West Tennesseans who cannot afford to hire an attorney.  

This paralegal will work primarily in our Family Centered Legal Solutions (FCLS) project, which focuses on low-income families and children who are facing legal problems related to basic human needs. The paralegal will also provide general paralegal support to non-FCLS staff. Under the supervision of professional staff, this individual will assist attorneys with matters involving family, public benefits, housing, and consumer issues. The paralegal will conduct client interviews, gather applicant eligibility information, perform education and outreach, conduct legal need assessments, and provide attorney support, such as document preparation and file maintenance. This individual will also serve as backup to the front desk, as needed. Grant positions are funded through the duration of the grant, and subsequent renewal could result in modification of job duties and responsibilities.   

Duties/Responsibilities: 

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

• Under the direction of an attorney(s), interview clients, ascertain substantive elements of the client’s problem, and perform assessments 

• Gather program eligibility information from applicants 

• Maintain accurate and contemporaneous case notes 

• Draft letters, memoranda, and other documents, as assigned 

• Research, as assigned 

• Communicate with housing providers to obtain mutually agreeable terms for lease terminations, repairs, and other landlord/tenant matters 

• File legal pleadings at the courthouse, check the docket, and obtain signatures, as assigned 

• Distribute community education materials 

• Speak at community events 

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

• Act as backup for the Memphis receptionist, including greeting visitors and answering phone 

• Accurately record and update timekeeping entries in real-time, ensuring detailed and precise documentation of work hours, project time allocation, and task completion for reporting and payroll purposes 

• Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with staff by facilitating effective communication, promoting teamwork, and providing support to ensure a collaborative and productive work environment  

• Participate in staff meetings, board meetings, and other meetings, as requested  

• Participate on internal committees, work groups, and other efforts to promote and improve organizational operations  

• Comply with program policies and regulations of the Legal Services Corporation and other funders  

• Comply with relevant portions of the Legal Services Corporation’s Performance Criteria and the American Bar Association’s Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid  

• Comply with all applicable organizational, professional, and legal requirements for confidentiality  

• Perform other duties as may reasonably be requested  

Requirements: 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.   

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) plus four-years related experience and/or training; paralegal certificate or associate’s degree plus two years of related experience and/or training; or bachelor’s degree 

• Background check, including references, that is complete and free of concerns 

• Experience working with or sensitivity to specialized client populations and individuals from ethnic or language distinct communities 

• Ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions 

• Effective communication skills sufficient to give public presentations, conduct trainings, and do client outreach 

• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively 

• Sufficient computer skills to be able to maintain client records, prepare documents, and maintain time records 

• Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, and other company software packages 

• Reliable personal transportation and willingness to travel statewide occasionally and to WTLS’ other offices as necessary 

• Maintain insurability under WTLS’ group auto policy 

Success Factors:   

• Demonstrate a commitment to the principle of equal justice and advocacy for low-income people by actively participating in initiatives and projects that promote access to legal services for low-income individuals, advocating for their rights, and ensuring their voices are heard and respected in all professional activities    

• Treat clients, staff, and the public with dignity and respect 

• Appreciate the experiences and needs of people of diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds 

• Demonstrate a personal sense of integrity 

• Take ownership of projects and produce solid work products 

• Take ownership of projects and produce solid work products 

• Work as a member of a team and independently including willingness to help others (cooperative) and share knowledge, information, contacts, and experience 

• Address issues in a timely manner 

• Use a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment 

• Handle and prioritize multiple, competing demands 

Working Conditions:  

• Work during office hours between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A minimum 30-minute break must be taken when at least 6 hours are worked. Work hours must be accurate and contemporaneously recorded. A flextime of work hours may be used, if approved. Your supervisor will consider the needs of the office and the preference of more senior employees before approving flextime. Work after hours or on weekends may be occasionally required.  

• Pursuant to the current telecommuting agreement, may work 2 days per week remotely after completion of 90 day probationary period.  The scheduled remote days will be determined upon staffing of the position.  The telecommuting schedule may be amended with prior approval of supervisor on an as needed basis. Requests for an amended schedule are contingent on approval and will be determined on a case-by-case basis given the current unit staffing.   

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting and at outreach sites.   

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

• Often communicating with people using the phone, email, via video call, or in person.  

• Occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.  

• Travel within the WTLS service area. A valid Tennessee driver’s license is required. 

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Compensation: $44,500 to $52,000 DOE. This position is a full-time position, and compensation is made according to the WTLS Salary Scale that became effective on April 28, 2025. 

• Benefits: Full-time benefits include the ability to participate in WTLS’ health insurance plan, dental plan, vision plan, LTD, Life Insurance, 401k retirement plan, paid time off (based on years of employment), paid Holidays (12), and paid week off between Christmas and New Year.   

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.  

How to Apply:  Applicants must submit a resume and apply by visiting https://wkf.ms/3UsJ4Hf. 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.     

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employee.