Legal Intake Volunteer - Philadelphia Office

These positions are generally held by people considering attending law school who have already graduated from college and retired people, although all are welcome to apply.

A volunteer must be willing to commit to at least 2 half-days per week (at least two three-hour blocks) to work in the legal intake unit. Our office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; Tuesdays we are open until 8 p.m. The responsibilities of a volunteer are as follows:

• Answer the ACLU help-line and construct descriptions of civil rights complaints;
• Read and summarize complaints received in writing;
• Research legitimacy of complaints;
• Make recommendations as to disposition of complaints;
• Review complaint facts with legal staff; and
• File and maintain intake documents.

Additionally, volunteers willing to commit more than six hours per week may be assigned to special projects, including follow-up on promising civil rights complaints, performing preliminary research, drafting correspondence and memoranda related to civil rights issues, and on occasion legal observing.

QUALIFICATIONS

• College graduate, with commitment to and enthusiasm for the mission and goals of the ACLU required.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Computer proficiency using Microsoft Word, and/or demonstrated ability to learn computer applications.
• Experience working with non-profit or advocacy group(s) valuable.

• Experience working with volunteers helpful.

BENEFITS

Volunteers are not paid. The most valuable benefit is knowing that you are actively making a difference. The experience gained working in a non-profit advocacy office, particularly in one small enough to enable volunteers to see their impact, as well as, hands on interaction with other volunteers. Additionally, the ACLU staff is happy to write recommendations and otherwise support its volunteers, whenever appropriate.

TO APPLY

Send a cover letter explaining your interest in volunteering at the ACLU-PA, along with a brief resume or written description of relevant experience to: info@aclupa.org

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbians and gay men to apply.