Philadelphia
Job Description Make a difference! Become a Defender! Through collaboration with criminal justice partners, the Alternative Sentencing Unit of the Defender Association creates, improves, and expands reentry programs as alternatives to mass incarceration. As a Probation and Parole Paralegal, you will be vital for clients navigating the complexities of the justice system. You will work side-by-side with attorneys to advocate for less restrictive supervision, early termination of probation, and successful community reentry. What You’ll Do • Attend and assist attorneys with post-sentence reviews and probation review conferences, including reviewing summaries filed by Adult Probation and Parole Department, • Draft and file responses to the summaries filed by Adult Probation and Parole Department, • Review and collect all relevant documentation in preparation of post-sentence reviews and probation review conferences, • Contact and interview clients, when applicable, prior to hearings, • Answer calls and questions from clients on supervision, family members, and probation officers regarding eligibility for termination of supervision or eligibility for a hearing, • Identify conflicts if applicable, prepare and file conflict motions with the court, • Gather supporting documentation that would support less restrictive conditions of supervision or termination, and/or speed up eligibility for a review hearing, • Contact any and all legal partners following post-sentence reviews and probation review conferences to resolve outstanding issues, i.e. outstanding restitution, proof of completion of terms or conditions, etc., • Communicate with clients through different platforms: letters, phone calls, video conferencing, etc., • Update client files and input information pertaining to hearings into DCM, • Track data related to case outcomes, • Be proactive in identifying cases that are ripe for early termination of supervision or cases in which the recommendation from Adult Probation or Parole should be modified, • Assist with other department duties as needed What You’ll Need • Bachelor or Associate degree with paralegal certification or any equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience., • Minimum two years, experience working with clients in criminal justice proceedings, preferred, • Ability to communicate effectively with clients, • Organized with attention to detail., • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, • Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with attorneys, clients, office and court personnel, oftentimes under considerable pressure, • Must have analytical and interpretive skills, • Proficient in Google Drive, Microsoft Office Suite or similar software and computer literacy including the ability to learn multiple internal and external computer systems, • Must be able to handle a number of tasks simultaneously., • Travel to various City courtrooms. Benefits & Perks • Generous and rich benefits plan with many employer paid benefits, • Substantial paid time off (over 35 PTO days), • We are a PSLF eligible employer, • Wellness benefits, • Paid parental leave, • Free Septa Key Card, • Retirement savings plan w/employer match, • Meaningful work, • Growth opportunities To Apply: Please include a cover letter detailing your experience and interest in this role with your resume and application. Salary is $48,000. Who is the Defender Association? The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers. The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go to Defender Association of Philadelphia and follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn. The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.