Duration: August 2026 through December 2026, with the possibility of extension upon mutual agreement
Job Summary
WTLS provides free civil legal help to low-income West Tennesseans seeking access to basic rights of shelter, financial security, and freedom from abuse. WTLS works with community organizations and client groups to educate communities about civil legal issues and access to justice. Candidates should have a strong commitment to access to equal justice for West Tennesseans who cannot afford to hire an attorney.
The Communications Intern is responsible for working with WTLS staff to create content for WTLS social media channels and perform website management. The Intern also may serve as back-up for front desk and may run errands. This position reports to the Pro Bono Manager and the Administration team and works closely with the Development Manager. This is a part-time position working approximately 15 to 25 hours per week.
Duties/Responsibilities
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following tasks:
Communication Intern Job Duties
- Create content for WTLS social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn
- Increase social media engagement
- Create and update content to the WTLS website
- Design graphics for WTLS
- Create video content
- Assist with brochure and community education materials creation
- Assist in other media-related matters that might arise
General WTLS Duties
- File documents with courts, deliver materials in person, and conduct other errands as requested
- Serve as back-up receptionist when needed, including answering and connecting incoming calls and when necessary, assisting with outgoing calls, greeting office visitors and directing them to proper personnel
- Treat all visitors, applicants, and clients with courtesy and respect
- Pick up, drop off, sort, and distribute mail
- Sign for deliveries and notify personnel of deliveries
- Check packing slips for incoming deliveries and ensure packages contain all items in the shipment
- Restock community education supplies
- Accurately record and update timekeeping entries in real-time, ensuring detailed and precise documentation of work hours, project time allocation, and task completion for reporting and payroll purposes
- Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with staff by facilitating effective communication, promoting teamwork, and providing support to ensure a collaborative and productive work environment
- Participate in staff meetings, board meetings, and other meetings, as requested
- Serve on internal committees, work groups, and other groups to promote and improve organizational operations
- Comply with program policies and regulations of the Legal Services Corporation and other funders
- Comply with relevant portions of the Legal Services Corporation’s Performance Criteria and the American Bar Association’s Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid
- Comply with all applicable organizational, professional, and legal requirements for confidentiality
- Perform other duties as may reasonably be requested
Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.
- Currently enrolled in a communications, public relations, or similar degree program
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively
- Reliable personal transportation and willingness to travel statewide occasionally and to WTLS’ other offices as necessary
- Maintain insurability under WTLS’ group auto policy
- Intermediate to expert proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Success Factors
- Demonstrate a commitment to the principle of equal justice and advocacy for low-income people by actively participating in initiatives and projects that promote access to legal services for low-income individuals, advocating for their rights, and ensuring their voices are heard and respected in all professional activities
- Treat clients, staff, and the public with dignity and respect
- Appreciate the experiences and needs of people of diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds
- Demonstrate a personal sense of integrity
- Take ownership of projects and produce solid work products
- Work as a member of a team and independently including willingness to help others (cooperative) and share knowledge, information, contacts, and experience
- Address issues in a timely manner
- Use a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment
- Handle and prioritize multiple, competing demands
Working Conditions
- Work during office hours between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A minimum 30-minute break must be taken when at least 6 hours are worked. Work hours must be accurate and contemporaneously recorded. A flextime of work hours may be used, if approved. Your supervisor will consider the needs of the office and the preference of more senior employees before approving flextime. Work after hours or on weekends may be required occasionally.
- Work is performed primarily in an office setting
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Often communicating with people using the phone, email, via video call, or in person
- Occasionally lift up to 15 pounds
- Travel within the WTLS service area. A valid Tennessee driver’s license is required
Compensation & Benefits
- Compensation: $15-25/hour DOE. This position is a part-time non-exempt position, and compensation is made according to the WTLS Salary Scale that became effective on April 28, 2025.
- Benefits: This part-time position is not eligible for WTLS full-time benefits.
WTLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employee.
