Intake Coordinator (bilingual English/Spanish)
About the organization: The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County (LAFSBC) is a non-profit law firm that provides free legal assistance to Santa Barbara County residents. Our mission is to provide high-quality civil legal services to low-income and other vulnerable residents in order to ensure equal access to justice. We change lives through direct representation, legal advice and information, and community education. Our vision is a community where low-income people and other vulnerable residents are empowered to thrive and where all residents have meaningful access to the civil justice system. The LAFSBC offices are located in Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Santa Barbara. We also staff the Santa Barbara Superior Court self-help centers, known as the Legal Resource Centers.
Job Summary:
The Intake Coordinator is the first person that potential clients and other members interact with when contacting our offices. Duties include answering the office phone and calling clients; greeting clients and visitors; interviewing potential clients to determine eligibility for legal assistance; referring visitors to other resources when appropriate; and assisting attorneys and other staff as needed with clerical and interpretation duties.
Location/Schedule: This position is based at our Santa Barbara office located in downtown Santa Barbara. This is an in-person position Monday through Thursday. Fridays may be in office or work-from-home. Non-exempt, 37.5 hours per week, Full-time, Monday-Friday. Occasional evening or weekend hours for legal outreach and special events.
This position includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:
Interview and screen potential clients for income eligibility, case type, conflict of interest and referral. Assist potential clients with completing intake forms.
Receive and direct incoming phone calls. Return calls and schedule appointments. Greet callers and visitors to the office with courtesy and efficiency. Relay clear messages to staff and volunteers.
Input potential client and client information into online case management systems timely and accurately, and properly document all client interactions.
Schedule appointments and communicate effectively via email, Microsoft Teams, and case notes with clients, colleagues, and partner agencies.
Open, close files and maintain electronic/hard copy files.
Interpret for other staff as needed for monolingual Spanish-speaking clients.
Prepare letters, proofs of service, and other documents as needed for attorneys.
Assist with scheduling and support for legal outreach clinics.
Sort and distribute incoming mail, take outgoing mail to the post office.
Order supplies for the office.
Photocopying, scanning, and other miscellaneous clerical duties as required.
Assist with editing and updating website.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Skills/Educational Requirements:
Bilingual proficiency in English/Spanish required.
Outstanding verbal communication and customer service skills with the proven ability to relate to diverse individuals with respect and humility on a consistent basis.
Strong time management skills and the ability to work productively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
Proficiency in keeping accurate records and documentation.
Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with those who may have educational, language, or other barriers to understanding.
Basic computer software proficiency (Microsoft Office: Teams/Word/Excel/Outlook, Adobe, electronic signature software).
Ability to work with clients who are facing stressful life circumstances.
Desired Qualifications:
Previous customer service, receptionist, or similar “first point of contact” representative experience.
Experience working in a non-profit or law firm setting.
Previous experience in or training in language interpretation/translation.
Experience working with survivors of intimate partner violence, people with disabilities, people with limited English proficiency, or other underserved groups.
Knowledge of legal and community resources in Santa Barbara County.
Associates or Bachelor’s Degree.
Compensation/Benefits: Salary range is $28.00 to $36.50 per hour, depending on experience (expected range is $28.00 to $32.00). Non-exempt. Generous personal leave and benefits package, including paid vacation, sick leave, and all court holidays. health/dental/vision insurance (100% of premiums covered for employee), life insurance with Employee Assistance Program, and option to participate in 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution to a SEP-IRA after one year.
To Apply: Email a resume and three professional references to personnel@lafsbc.org as soon as possible and no later than Tuesday, September 30th. Please include the job title in the subject line of the email.
The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, marital or registered domestic partner status, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.