Careers

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA) is a non-profit law firm providing high-quality free civil legal services to low-income residents of Broward County.  CCLA is seeking an Assistant to work under the supervision of the Executive Director and in coordination with the Unit Directors and supervisors, and other employees to support the day-to-day functions of the firm.  The new hire will be provided comprehensive training to enable a seamless transition into the position. This is an exempt position. Key Responsibilities:

• Work with Executive Director, Unit Directors and supervising attorneys to organize workload, and set timelines and deadlines in order to complete federal and other grant applications.
• Assist management with preparation for monitoring visits by program funders.
• Assist Executive Director with preparing agenda and materials for the Board of Directors meetings.
• Keep minutes for meetings of the Board of Directors.
• Maintain all corporate records and documents.
• Assist auditors by providing reports and materials as requested.
• Serve as a Site Administrator for the firm’s Legal Server case management system.
• Maintain user accounts for CCLA staff with various legal resources.
• Other administrative duties such as completing various insurance applications, making travel arrangements and registrations for trainings and meetings for staff, bar dues, posting open positions.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelors Degree preferred.
• Ability to prioritize the work and handle multiple responsibilities.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to set and adhere to strict timelines and deadlines.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, as well as collaborate effectively as part of a team in a diverse workplace.
• Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, and ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent communication, writing and phone skills.
• Experience with legal case management system or similar; experience with Legal Server is considered an advantage.
• Technology skills in platforms such as Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom, Excel and Adobe PDF.
• Prior experience working with legal aid services/aid organization, LSC, non-profit or government setting helpful.
• CCLA is an equal opportunity employer.

Submissions: Email resume and cover letter to CCLAemployment@legalaid.org with “Assistant to Executive Director” in subject line.
(03-20-2023)

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida’s (CCLA) mission is to improve the lives of people in our community through advocacy, education, representation, and empowerment. CCLA’s Family Court Self Advocacy Center (FCSAC) is located in the Central Broward County Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Under the supervision of the Family Law Unit attorneys and supervisors, the FCSAC Attorney and/or Paralegal will provide legal information and guidance regarding forms to a high volume of self-represented litigants. The information and guidance will be for matters including, but not limited to, Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce), Paternity, Modification of Timesharing and Child Support, Family Court Motions, and limited information on Department of Revenue issues. In addition, the Attorney will provide more legal advice and counsel to eligible CCLA clients for their family law matters via telephone or Teams/Zoom.

The person will work in-person and be located in the Central Broward County Courthouse each day. The successful applicant must be a high energy, well-organized, patient person who cares about helping self-represented litigants achieve a fair and efficient resolution of their family law case. The successful applicant must believe in our mission, have effective communication skills and technology skills in platforms such as Microsoft Office, Teams, and Zoom. Bi-lingual (English/Spanish preferred). This is a full-time position. CCLA is an equal opportunity employer and provider. For more information about CCLA, please see our sites at https://linktr.ee/ccla_sfl.

Submissions: Please submit cover letter and resume to CCLAemployment@legalaid.org with “FCSAC Attorney or Paralegal” in email subject line. (5-25-2023)

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida, Inc. (CCLA) is looking for a hardworking, compassionate attorney to represent victims of intimate partner violence primarily for their family law and injunction for protection cases as well as other civil legal needs such as benefits and housing cases. CCLA’s mission is to improve the lives of people in our community through advocacy, education, representation, and empowerment. The successful applicant must believe in our organization’s mission, be comfortable litigating in court, have effective communication skills, be able to work as part of a team, and have technology skills in platforms such as Microsoft Office and Teams, Zoom, and Adobe. The attorney should have the ability to multitask, organize, and prioritize. The attorney will become skilled regarding the applicable laws and dynamics of intimate partner violence. The attorney must comply with all program requirements, including but not limited to: efficient case management and note taking, completion of information for grant reports, contemporaneous time keeping, conduct trainings and outreach, and attend all mandated trainings. Florida Bar membership required and at least 2 years of family law litigation experience preferred. Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.

CCLA is an equal opportunity employer and provider. This is a full-time, exempt position. CCLA offers a generous benefits package and attorneys may be eligible for loan repayment and/or loan forgiveness. Currently, we are temporarily in the office at least two days each week and in court, in-person, as needed. For more information about CCLA, please see our sites at https://linktr.ee/ccla_sfl.

Submissions: Email resume and cover letter to CCLAemployment@legalaid.org with “Family Law Attorney” in subject line. (5-25-2023)

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA) is looking for a hardworking, compassionate attorney for the Economic Advocacy and Community Health (EACH) Unit, to represent clients in public benefits cases. Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida works to improve the lives of people who have lower socioeconomic status. Our mission is to improve the lives of people in our community through advocacy, education, representation, and empowerment. The successful applicant must believe in our organization’s mission and be passionate about helping people obtain and maintain public benefits.

The public benefits attorney will assist and represent clients in Social Security Disability (SSDI and SSI), Reemployment Assistance (unemployment), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps), and access to healthcare cases.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting client interviews
• Advising and representing clients in SSDI/SSI cases, including representing clients at hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and in Appeals Council appeals.
• Advising and representing clients in reemployment assistance cases, including representing clients at administrative hearings before referees and in appeals to the RAAC.
• Drafting pre-hearing and appeal briefs.
• Reviewing legal documents, agency notices, and medical records.
• Conducting legal research and interpreting agency regulations and case law.
• Drafting correspondence to clients and agencies.
• Conducting community outreach, trainings, and education.
• Maintaining records, case notes, and daily time-keeping in CCLA’s case management system.

Requirements:

• J.D. and admission to the Florida Bar or willing to sit for the Florida Bar.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in working with people with disabilities and/or who have lower socioeconomic status preferred.
• Prior public benefits experience, particularly with SSDI/SSI or reemployment assistance, is a plus. Applicants with prior clinical experience, particularly related to public benefits, are encouraged to apply.
• Flexible, effective, written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, organize, prioritize, and manage a diverse case load.

CCLA is an equal opportunity employer. This is a full-time, exempt position. CCLA offers a generous benefits package, including paid vacation days, paid sick leave, paid holidays, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and 403(b) plan (tax-sheltered annuity plan) with employer match up to 5%. Attorneys may be eligible for loan repayment and/or loan forgiveness. Currently, we are temporarily in the office two days per week and attend hearings in-person as needed. For more information about CCLA, please see our sites at https://linktr.ee/ccla_sfl.

Submissions: Submit cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three professional references to CCLAemployment@legalaid.org with “Public Benefits Attorney” in the subject line. (5-25-2023)

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida, Inc. (CCLA) seeks an experienced human resources professional to join our team in a newly created position: Human Resources (HR) Director. CCLA is a Legal Services Corporation (LSC) funded legal aid program which has been providing free civil legal assistance to low-income and other eligible residents of Broward County since January 2004. CCLA’s only office is located in Plantation, Florida, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale. The mission of the organization is to improve the lives of people who have low-income in our community through advocacy, education, representation, and empowerment. This position will report to CCLA’s Executive Director and will effectively manage CCLA’s HR and other projects as needed. This person will develop policies, direct and coordinate human resources activities, such as employment, compensation, labor relations, benefits, trainings, and employee services. Additionally, this person will assist in guiding the organization’s culture, recruitment, retention, and career development at all levels. This position requires significant labor/employee relations experience for a unionized setting.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for the overall leadership, management, direction and performance of Human Resources for CCLA including employee relations, hiring, compensation/benefits, policies and procedures, compliance, investigations, union relations, training, and organizational development
• Develop HR strategies and administer HR policies and procedures
• Maintain, review and refine clear, responsive, and accessible HR systems for staff. Update and maintain HR manuals and CCLA policies to ensure compliance
• Identify, recommend, and implement operational improvements to streamline HR processes and incorporate best practices in management, including updating employee policies and personnel handbook
• Develop recruitment strategic plan for identifying both management level positions and all hourly positions. Manage recruitment efforts, including job postings, application review, interviews, reference checks, and offers. Apply principals of diversity, equity, and inclusion to HR recruitment
• Serve as a primary point person for employee inquiries regarding human resources and policies, and participate in employee meetings, orientation, on-boarding, off-boarding, and exit interviews
• Guide and reinforce CCLA’s culture of a positive work environment
• Administer the salary administration policies and programs. Review and readjust salary ranges; conduct local wage surveys annually; monitor merit increases pools and increases
• Manage employee payroll, and serve as the primary contact with payroll processor
• Develop improvements as necessary to staff evaluation system, new staff orientation, on-boarding, career development program, and staff wellness and training programs
• Oversee and investigate all employee relations and labor-related matters as they relate to internal policies, federal, state and local employment and civil rights laws
• Lead management development and associate training. Recommend new programs based on CCLA’s needs
• Prepare materials for audits, benefits renewals, annual compliance filings, and pension and retirement plan reports
• Participates in collective bargaining negotiations and ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreements
• Oversee associate benefit program administration. Manage staff benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement plan, and other insurance benefits
• Stay abreast of all Federal and State laws and keeps management advised of changes which affect associate and operations. Maintain knowledge of legal requirements related to HR, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance
• Ensure accuracy and confidentiality of employee records
• Provide counsel and assistance to all management personnel in regards to associate problems dealing with supervision and administration

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resource management or related field
• At least five years of experience in a human resources management role and at least three years labor relations experience in a union environment. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), SPHR, or PHR credentials preferred
• Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record of successfully managing a HR operation including policy and benefits administration
• Proven leadership skills, which support an environment of employee growth and development, interdepartmental teamwork which support exceptional client and community services
• Dynamic, enthusiastic, creative leader who is able to perform multiple functions, prioritize, and troubleshoot when needed
• Must be service and detail oriented; possessing a friendly, approachable demeanor and strong problem-solving skills
• Computer proficiency including: Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Windows, Adobe, Teams, Excel, and Zoom
• Ability to implement HR policies consistently
• Effective labor relations experience building consensus with union representatives and employee delegates
• Experience overseeing union grievances, collective bargaining, and arbitrations
• Thorough understanding and application of relevant labor and employment laws, collective bargaining agreements, and ability to train management regarding these principles
• Employee relations experience including: planning social activities, recognition programs, communications programs, counseling and constant interaction with staff to facilitate employee engagement
• Excellent interpersonal skills including conflict resolution experience and ability to work across lines of difference
• Ability to think creatively and problem solve
• Trustworthy with excellent judgment and experience exercising discretion and upholding the highest level of confidentiality
• Organized and detail-oriented with experience managing people, multiple projects, and meeting deadlines
• Ability to maintain and administer personnel and medical records in accordance with legal requirements and internal needs
• Capacity to administer CCLA’s benefits program and advise staff about benefits
• Skills to address performance concerns, counseling, disciplinary action, problem review system to maintain high-level performance and quality of work force. Experience with thorough investigation and documentation of grievances
• Development and implementation of compensation system for salaried positions to ensure competitiveness in ability to attract retain. and reward appropriate staff
• Experience with coordination of training and development initiatives including, management development, compliance, employee safety programs to involve safety committee, communications and training
• Knowledge and experience to be responsible for Workers’ Compensation Administration
• Development of and adherence to Human Resources budget
• Familiarity with management development and planning for all levels to aid retention and performance including administration of annual performance reviews
• Experience with the administration of an on-boarding and orientation program and process for all new employees including periodic follow-up
• Familiarity with ADA and FMLA requirements and accommodations
• Knowledge to ensure compliance with appropriate federal and state legislation and interaction with government agencies including NLRB, EEOC, and other state agencies
• Prior direction and supervision of Human Resources staff to meet these job requirements
• Ability and desire to play an active role as a strategic planner with Management
• Will maintain regular attendance and consistently be on time.
• Will perform any other duties as requested by Executive Director or Management.

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:

• Salary Range Dependent on Experience
• Health
• Dental/ Vision
• Basic Life
• Short & Long Term Disability
• 403-B

Submissions: Please submit a cover letter and resume to CCLAemployment@legalaid.org. CCLA is an equal opportunity employer and provider. (5-25-2023)

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida, Inc. (CCLA) seeks a full time Grants Writer and Compliance Manager to strategically source, sustain, maximize our grant and foundational support opportunities, and ensure compliance with our grants. This is a critical role in helping CCLA meet its fundraising goals by developing high quality, compelling proposals and reports for private and public sector funders. CCLA’s mission is to improve the lives of people in our community through advocacy, education, representation, and empowerment. The ideal candidate will collaborate with our staff to advance our mission. CCLA’s Grants Writer and Compliance Manager will examine, manage and execute all aspects of CCLA’s grant and foundational support efforts and activities and work with other grants staff.

The Grants Writer and Compliance Manager’s responsibilities include:

• developing and managing proposal/application work plans and timelines as well as maintaining a calendar of grant deliverables for CCLA’s grants
• writing and submitting proposals/applications along with supporting documents such as drafting letters of support and MOUs, creating graphics and tables when appropriate
• post-award compliance and management including overseeing compliance with grant requirements, writing reports, compiling data, and timely submitting high-quality reports and timesheets per grant requirements
• identifying key funding sources and grants available
• determining feasibility of developing and sustaining programs to supplement annual budgetary allocations
• managing grant records for monitoring of CCLA’s grants and preparing for monitoring,
• demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, work well under pressure, and meet deadlines
• exceptional collaboration and interpersonal skills, teamwork ethic, and diplomacy
• being the point of contact for inquiries about the grant process and existing grantee communications
• performing any other related duties as requested.

The successful applicant must believe in our organization’s mission, have experience with grant writing and compliance, have effective communication and organization skills, be able to work remotely and in-office, and have technology skills including with Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom, Excel, and Adobe PDF. The ideal candidate has the ability to meet assigned deadlines as well as the dexterity to switch directions as the workload requires and has a minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated success writing grant proposals/applications and reporting for private and public sector funders. Experience with federal grants such as LSC and Department of Justice and experience with Legal Server a plus. The Grants Writer and Compliance Manager will report to the Executive Director and Management Team. The position will be located in Plantation, FL with occasional in-area travel as needed. CCLA is currently working with a hybrid schedule with staff located in-office a minimum of two days each week. This is a full-time, exempt position. CCLA is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Salary based on experience. Generous benefits package included.

Submissions: Submit a cover letter, CV/resume, and writing sample to CCLAemployment@legalaid.org with Grants Writer and Compliance Manager in the subject line.
(5-25-2023)

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida, Inc. (CCLA) is a Legal Services Corporation (LSC) funded, non-profit organization. CCLA provides free civil legal services to low-income and other eligible residents of Broward County and is located in Plantation, Florida, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale. Our mission is to improve the lives of low-income persons in our community through advocacy, education, representation, and empowerment. We provide assistance in the areas of Family Law, Economic Advocacy & Community Health (public benefits), and Senior Law for clients age 60 and older. Temporarily, employees are working on a hybrid basis, working in the Plantation, FL office two days each week and remotely three days each week. CCLA is seeking to hire a full-time Intake Specialist who will have the title “Intake Paralegal”.

Key Responsibilities:

• Interview and screen applicants seeking legal assistance for their civil legal matter.
• Complete prescreens and applications (phone calls, walk-ins, referrals, e-mails, and online applications), meet and interview applicants, collect documents and pleadings, and gather information about applicants’ legal matters.
• Comply with all program requirements, including, but not limited to:
  • Efficient case management
  • Maintain records, case notes, and contemporaneous timekeeping in CCLA’s case management system
  • Completion of timely reports
  • Professional development and attendance at all mandatory meetings and trainings
  • The successful applicant must be able to work remotely (temporarily), have effective communication skills, reliable internet connection with privacy, technology skills on platforms such as, Microsoft Office 365 and Teams, Zoom, and Adobe PDF
• Work as part of a centralized intake team with intake staff, paralegals, and attorneys from different practice areas
• Perform community outreach events in-person and virtually on social media, and conduct in-person and virtual educational trainings for staff, clients, and community providers, as needed
• Compliance with program and grant requirements
• Perform other duties as requested by management, supervisors, or as required by grant(s)

Required Skills:

• 1 to 5 years of experience preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Effective written and verbal skills
• Detail-oriented
• Must have the ability to multitask and work efficiently, both independently and with supervision
• Professional demeanor and client-oriented focus
• Believe in our mission and have a commitment and passion for working with the underserved and under resourced community

Bi-lingual (Spanish or Haitian Creole) preferred but not required. Salary D.O.E., plus excellent benefits. Position will remain open until filled. We are an equal opportunity employer & provider.

Submissions: Submit cover letter, resume, and three professional references to CCLAemployment@legalaid.org with “Intake Specialist” in the subject line. (5-25-2023)

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA) is looking for a hardworking, compassionate paralegal to work with the Economic Advocacy and Community Health (EACH) and Senior units. Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida works to improve the lives of people who have lower socioeconomic status. Our mission is to improve the lives of people in our community through advocacy, education, representation, and empowerment. The successful applicant must believe in our organization’s mission and be passionate about helping people obtain and maintain public benefits.

The public benefits paralegal will be responsible for handling public benefits cases under the supervision of an attorney. The paralegal may work on Social Security (SSDI, SSI, and retirement), reemployment assistance (unemployment), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP, or food stamps), and/or access to healthcare cases.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Drafting correspondence, legal documents, and communicating with clients
• Conduct client intake, interviews, and legal research
• Assisting clients with applications and forms
• Filing documents through e-filing portal, copying, and faxing
• Able to represent and advocate for clients in administrative hearings and with agencies
• Working closely, as part of a team, with numerous attorneys and paralegals
• Frequent communication with clients and outside agencies; in person, on the phone, and via email
• Maintain data and generate reports
• Perform community outreach events in-person and virtually, as well as, on social media, and conduct educational trainings for staff, clients, and community providers, as needed
• Maintain records, case notes and daily time-keeping in CCLA’s case management system
• Compliance with program and grant requirements
• Perform other duties as requested by Management, Supervisors, or as required by grant(s)

Required Skills:

• 2 to 5 years of experience preferred
• Candidates with Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree and/or paralegal certificate are preferred. Relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of educational requirements
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Strong written and verbal skills
• Detail-oriented
• Must have the ability to multitask, work efficiently and independently with supervision
• Professional demeanor and client-oriented focus
• Experience or demonstrated interest working with people with disabilities, seniors, and/or people with lower socioeconomic status preferred.

Bi-lingual (Spanish or Haitian Creole) preferred but not required. Salary D.O.E. CCLA offers a generous benefits package, including paid vacation days, paid sick leave, paid holidays, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and 403(b) plan (tax-sheltered annuity plan) with employer match up to 5%. Currently, we are temporarily in the office two days per week and attend hearings in-person as needed. For more information about CCLA, please see our sites at https://linktr.ee/ccla_sfl. CCLA is an equal opportunity employer.

Submissions: Submit cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three professional references to CCLAemployment@legalaid.org with “Public Benefits Paralegal” in the subject line.
(02-17-2023)