Receptionist/Legal Secretary

Prisoners’ Legal Services (PLS) is a nonprofit legal services organization founded in 1972 whose mission is to challenge the carceral system through litigation, advocacy, client counseling, partnership with impacted individuals and communities, and outreach to policy makers and the public. The office prioritizes work involving medical and mental health care, assaults by staff, extreme conditions of confinement, misuse of solitary confinement and isolation, and race equity.

PLS is seeking an outstanding full-time Receptionist/Legal Secretary (Admin) to support the administrative work of a busy downtown Legal Service Office. PLS admins facilitate the vast majority of communication between PLS’ clients, most of whom are incarcerated in MA prisons and jails, and other PLS staff via phone and mail. In addition, admins provide legal materials to clients requested by legal staff and help oversee the smooth running of the office. This position is one of three full-time admins who work together cooperatively, as well as on their own. This position reports to the Admin Supervisor and the Executive Director.

This position provides a wide range of administrative and office support to ensure the smooth operation of PLS.Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Answering and routing phone calls; processing mail, faxes, and voicemails.
• Preparing, sending, and tracking advocacy materials, client releases, and medical record requests.
• Assisting with new hire/intern clearances and coordinating staff onboarding (e.g., laptop set-up, Westlaw access, fobs).
• Providing support for training and assisting new administrative staff.
• Offering light IT support as needed.
• Scheduling depositions, scanning/copying documents, and processing payment requests for case or office-related expenses.
• Coordinating large and small mailings and ordering office supplies.
• Providing translation support (if applicable).
• Offering back-up coverage for other administrative staff.
• Setting up intake rotation schedule.
• Participating in monthly staff meetings and regular supervision meetings.
• Performing general administrative tasks and other duties as assigned by the Admin Supervisor and/or Executive Director.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience providing administrative or office support in a professional setting.
• Strong telephone and communication skills, with the ability to answer and route calls effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and database systems.
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor and interact with a diverse range of people.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to remain calm and adaptable under pressure.
• Reliability in maintaining regular business hours.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work cooperatively with prisoner clients and PLS staff.
• Ability to multi-task and shift gears when needed.
• Proficiency in a second language preferred (especially Spanish).
• Experience working in a law office or legal setting preferred.

This is a full-time position based in PLS’ Boston office, with occasional opportunities for remote work.