LEGAL ASSISTANT/PARALEGAL FOR ADVOCACY

PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AT

UNIVERSITY LEGAL SERVICES

University Legal Services, Inc. (ULS), a private, non-profit organization, is the federally mandated protection and advocacy (P&A) program for individuals with disabilities in the District of Columbia. Congress vested the P&As with the authority and responsibility to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect of individuals with disabilities. In addition, ULS provides administrative and legal advocacy to protect the civil rights of District residents with disabilities. ULS staff directly serves hundreds of individual clients annually, with thousands more benefiting from the results of investigations, institutional reform litigation, outreach and education and group advocacy efforts. ULS staff addresses client issues relating to, among other things, abuse and neglect, community integration, accessible housing, financial exploitation, access to health care services, discharge planning, special education, and the improper use of seclusion, restraint and medication.

ULS seeks a Legal Assistant/Paralegal for its office in Washington, D.C. to help support its legal work. The primary responsibilities for the position include:

· Provide litigation assistance to P&A attorneys including, but not limited to: preparing court filings, trial and hearing preparation, and maintaining court dockets, pleadings, and correspondence files for ongoing litigation

· Provide basic legal research and cite-checking when necessary

· Provide computer support, including knowledge of word processing, databases, attorney billing software, spreadsheets, Internet and legal research software

· Attend P&A staff meetings and other internal meetings, as necessary

· Maintain a filing system for library and other resource materials

· Provide administrative support to P&A staff, including answering ULS phone, making photocopies and faxing

· Provide back up assistance to Intake Specialist, including client intakes, information management and closing cases

· Maintain records of the ULS’ Advisory Councils and provide administrative support for them

· Providing support with outreach and advocacy objectives, including assistance in preparation of the organization newsletter, special education e-resources newsletter, maintenance of the orientation manuals, and the development of advocacy and resource materials

· For Petties v. DC: act as point of contact for DCPS transportation failures; attend and record all Petties’ parties meetings, dispute proceedings, provider meetings, Transportation Task Force meetings and court hearings; and maintain dispute documents

· Time permitting, conduct client outreach and presentations

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least one year of post-college working experience;
• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication;
• Superb organization skills, including the ability to manage numerous tasks simultaneously, work under pressure and meet unexpected deadlines;
• Advanced-level proficiency and previous experience in a variety of computer software applications (MS Office – especially Internet Explorer, MS Word XP. Excel; Outlook), and database management;
• The ability to exercise judgment and show initiative;
• Fluency in another language is a plus;
• Experience working with people with disabilities or other marginalized populations.

Start Date: This is an immediate hire.

Salary is $35,000 to $40,000 depending on experience. ULS offers a competitive benefits package. Please submit application by August 11, 2008, via e-mail, including cover letter, resume, and names and contact details for three references to: mclark@uls-dc.org, or by U.S. mail to: Mary Nell Clark, University Legal Services, 220 I Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. (The position title must appear in the title of your e-mail.) Only selected applicants will be contacted for phone or in-person interviews. No phone calls, please.

ULS values diversity of culture, disability and other

life experiences, and is an equal opportunity employer by choice. People

with disabilities are encouraged to apply.