Job Description
The Law Project of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is seeking a paralegal Intern to support the Law Project in their work in advocating for people experiencing homelessness in Chicago and throughout Illinois. In this position, you will conduct intakes of potential clients, and provide support to attorneys with their casework. The types of cases Law Project attorneys handle include public benefits cases, educational rights cases, expungement/sealing cases, civil rights cases, and other civil legal matters. Paralegal interns are expected to be able to work independently and collaboratively with Law Project staff. This position is remote with the option for some-in office work and in person outreach and distribution of materials.
Access to a computer and internet is helpful but not required. Computer and internet access can be provided if needed. All paralegal interns are also expected to work to advance racial equity.
About CCH
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is a 42-year old systemic advocacy organization. CCH develops campaigns and initiatives to address the causes of homelessness – lack of affordable housing, lack of access to health care and services and lack of jobs paying a living wage. We place much emphasis on organizing and developing leaders who have experienced homelessness to become spokespersons and leaders of our various initiatives. CCH does its work in accordance with its organizational values – collaboration, integrity, strategic action, compassion, and intersectionality. We recognize that homelessness is a problem that stems from systemic racism and that biases and prejudices are embedded in the fabric of society, and thus, also permeate organizations like ours. CCH is committed to advancing racial equity in the workplace, through the work of our racial equity committee, and through the campaigns and initiatives we choose.
The Law Project is a program of CCH that provides free legal services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The Law Project’s work includes educational rights for students who are homeless, a mobile legal clinic to provide legal services to homeless youth, including access to health care and civil rights for people living on the street.
Job Responsibilities
Clients
- Provide assistance in conducting intakes of clients to assess clients’ legal issues.
- Provide support to Law Project attorneys with their casework, such as assisting clients with applying for public benefits.
- Assist in compiling/reviewing a variety of documents for various audiences, such as legislators, service providers, and school staff.
Community Outreach*
- Distribute Law Project materials at various events.
- Assist Law Project staff in conducting outreach, in places such as shelters, schools, and street outreach.
*In response to the COVID-19 virus, only limited outreach is being conducted for the time being.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated desire to work with people experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
- Ability to work in a variety of settings.
- Demonstrated desire to work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Demonstrated experience utilizing Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Enrollment in a paralegal program preferred (however, being a student is not a requirement for this position).
To Apply
Please send a cover letter detailing how you are qualified for this position, a resume, and two references, to Arturo Hernandez at arturo@chicagohomeless.org and please put “Paralegal Intern” in the subject line. The applicant selected for this internship position will receive a stipend.
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless believes that personnel diversity is an organizational strength and recognizes and values the intersectional identities that staff members bring to our organization. We are enriched by the diverse experiences, beliefs, and ways of thinking that employees of different backgrounds bring.
People of color and people who have experienced homelessness or poverty are strongly encouraged to apply. Fair consideration is given to all qualified applicants regardless of criminal record. CCH is committed to providing equal employment consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.