Support Staff - Erie Office - Full-Time

Northwestern Legal Services (NWLS) is seeking qualified candidates for one (1) full-time Support Staff person for our Erie, PA office.  Work hours are 35 hours per week; Monday - Friday.  The starting annual salary is $29,120+. Salary will increase with years of relevant experience and skills. Salary is the equivalent to $16 per hour.

Company Description

NWLS is a private, non-profit organization providing free civil legal aid to low-income individuals across a ten-county region in northwestern Pennsylvania. NWLS offers telephone advice, self-help clinics, community education, and direct legal representation to support clients with a range of civil legal issues. The service area includes Cameron, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Venango, and Warren counties. NWLS is funded by federal, state, and local agencies, as well as public donations, and administers grants for specialized legal services. The organization is deeply engaged in community outreach and education to increase access to justice and legal resources.

Role Description

The Full-Time Support Staff role at Northwestern Legal Services is an on-site position providing administrative and client support to the Erie and Franklin offices. Day-to-day responsibilities include answering phones, making phone calls, greeting and directing visitors, scheduling and managing appointments, and assisting clients with intake forms and basic information requests. The role supports legal and administrative teams by organizing files, maintaining records, preparing and mailing correspondence, and performing data entry and maintenance. Additional tasks may involve coordinating with staff across offices, helping with community outreaches and materials, and ensuring that office procedures follow NWLS policies and confidentiality requirements. This full-time position requires reliability, attention to detail, and a commitment to supporting accessible legal services.

Qualifications

• Experience in support roles, customer service, and/or office environments is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a client-centered approach, including the ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Awareness of safeguarding principles and confidentiality standards when handling client information.
• Clear and professional communication skills, both verbal and written, for interacting with clients, colleagues, and community partners.
• Basic technical support abilities and comfort using office technology, including computers, phones, printers, and case management systems, and office programs.
• Organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain accurate records.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional training or education in office administration, social services, or related fields is beneficial.
• The ability to speak a language other than English (particularly in the Erie office) is a huge asset.
• Familiarity with and understanding of the low-income community and its needs is expected.
• Prior experience in a legal, non-profit, or client service environment is preferred, but not required.

Notable Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Dependent Care Account (DCA) available
• 12.5 Paid Holidays per year
• Vacation, Sick, and Leave Time
• Automatic Annual Employer Contributions to 401(k), regardless of Employee Contribution
• Employment currently qualifies for federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (subject to change)
• Employer-paid Professional Development Opportunities & Notary Training & Certification

Application Process

All applicants must submit a detailed cover letter, resume, and minimum of 2 references via email, mail, fax, or online to be considered. Cover letters should identify what position the applicant is interested in, how the applicant found out about the position, explain relevant experience, outline relevant skills, explain any work history gaps, and include any other information that would be beneficial to the applicant's selection for interview. Resumes should include email and phone number contact information. Interviews will be scheduled at the end of July or early August. No telephone inquiries please. NWLS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

• Email: [email protected]
• Mail: 1314 Griswold Plaza, Suite 103, Erie, PA 16501
• Fax: (814) 452-8145
• Online: https://www.nwls.org/legal-careers