Legal Aid DC seeks an Intake Specialist to join our Consumer Law Unit.

Since 1932, Legal Aid has provided civil legal assistance to clients in individual cases and engaged in systemic reform. Currently, we provide individual representation in consumer law, domestic violence/family law, housing, public benefits, and appellate matters. We also work on immigration matters and help individuals with the collateral consequences of their involvement with the criminal justice system. From the experiences of our clients, we identify opportunities for law reform, public policy advocacy, and systemic impact and appellate litigation.

Legal Aid believes that meaningful pursuit of our anti-poverty mission requires an unwavering commitment to racial justice and equity. We aspire both to reflect the rich racial diversity of the communities we serve and to value, respect, and empower our staff and clients to be effective agents of change. For more information about Legal Aid please visit our website, www.LegalAidDC.org.

The Consumer Law Unit helps clients protect their limited income and assets. We specialize in two principal areas of practice: foreclosure prevention and consumer debt collection defense. We also engage in significant efforts to address consumer issues of public policy.

The Consumer Law Unit Intake Specialist will be based out of Legal Aid’s main NW office but may also work in our community office in SE Washington, D.C. or other community-based sites. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required. Much of the Consumer Law Unit Intake Specialist’s time will be spent serving as an initial point of contact for, and conducting intakes with, individuals who are seeking assistance from the Consumer Law Unit. The Intake Specialist will also conduct initial general intake interviews with prospective Legal Aid clients and perform duties that will support the entire organization.

Responsibilities

Conducting Intake Interviews with Applicants for Legal Assistance

Serving as an initial point of contact by telephone (primarily) and in-person, for persons seeking assistance from Legal Aid

Collecting information from callers and walk-in applicants to screen their eligibility for Legal Aid’s services and providing referral information, when appropriate

Conducting in-depth intake interviews by telephone and/or in-person

Completing follow up with applicants for legal assistance including gathering documents from applicants to assist attorneys with case investigation

Assisting with management of the online intake application portal, including initial screening of online intake applications

Data Management and Analysis

Entering intake interview information into Legal Aid’s client database, Legal Server, and running reports when necessary

Assisting with gathering data to track and analyze intake trends

Administrative and Other Required Tasks

Performing administrative tasks as needed, related to the Consumer Law Unit intake processes and notices

Other duties as assigned by Consumer Law Unit Supervisor and/or Intake Program Director.

General Intake-Related Tasks

Working with the Intake Program and other units’ Intake Specialists, to provide coverage for general intake responsibilities outside of the Intake Specialists’ unit.

These tasks include (but are not limited to): monitoring the general intake voicemail box; triaging and returning calls as appropriate; and collecting information from callers and walk-in applicants to screen their eligibility for Legal Aid’s services.

Qualifications

Strong commitment to racial, economic, and social justice

Experience engaging with individuals who are in crisis or dealing with trauma

Effective oral and written communication skills

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments

Strong computer skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other Microsoft applications

Familiarity working with online databases helpful but not required

Familiarity with legal, social services or public benefits systems through lived and/or prior professional experience preferred

Bilingual skills in Spanish, Amharic, or another language prevalent in Legal Aid DC’s client community preferred, but not required

Availability to make a two-year minimum commitment strongly preferred

Salary and Benefits

The Intake Specialist will be paid in accordance with Legal Aid's based on years of full-time legal experience. Lateral hires will receive credit for years of relevant work experience. Starting salaries are as follows:

Entry-level Intake Specialist: $52,428

Intake Specialist with 3 years relevant full-time work experience: $57,677

Intake Specialist with 5 years relevant full-time experience: $61,160

Legal Aid DC generally provides two salary increases per year, depending on funding availability: a cost-of-living increase at the beginning of the year and a step increase in July.

Legal Aid offers a generous benefits package, including eligibility for fully paid health insurance, annual retirement match, 12 paid holidays, 20 days of annual leave per year and 15 days of sick leave per year.  

Click here for full salary scale and additional benefits information.

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. New hires start with a 90-day probationary period before they are considered full-time, regular employees.

To Apply

Legal Aid DC values an inclusive, diverse workplace and encourages applications from interested persons from diverse backgrounds of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage applications from people with personal experience with the criminal legal system and/or with lived experiences in the communities we serve.

Interested persons are encouraged to apply immediately. Please submit your resume and cover letter here. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. This position has a closing date of August 29, 2024. No emails or phone calls, please.

Legal Aid Society Of DC jobs

Intake Specialist, Consumer Law Unit