Bilingual Domestic Violence Outreach Caseworker
Status: 1.00 Full Time Non-Exempt
Reports to: Domestic Violence Outreach Attorney and Supervising Attorney
Salary: $25.00 - $26.00 per hour, depending on experience
TO APPLY: Please submit a Cover Letter and Resume in response to this post. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Legal Aid of Sonoma County (LASC) is a non-profit organization that provides low-income clients assistance with protective orders, eviction defense, guardianships, elder law, immigration, and related legal remedies. LASC seeks a Bilingual Domestic Violence Outreach Caseworker to support our Domestic Violence Outreach Attorney in providing legal services to victims of domestic violence (DV), sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking, and stalking.
The DV Outreach Caseworker will be based on-site at the LASC office, but the position will require travel throughout Sonoma County to assist survivors in rural and unincorporated areas. Many of these clients lack transportation, have limited English proficiency, and are otherwise unable to access legal services and resources.
Legal Aid’s DV team helps people with protective orders and related legal remedies. Services include assistance with pleadings, legal advice and information, and in-court representation. Legal Aid carries an extensive caseload, and the environment is very fast paced.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Legal Support for Clients:
Assist both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking clients with domestic violence issues, triage cases, and interview clients.
Conduct client correspondence.
Draft and process legal documents, including pleadings and declarations, under attorney supervision.
Prepare clients for mediation and court appearances.
Prepare materials for hearing and trial, including exhibits and court forms.
Provide translation during client consultations with non-Spanish speaking attorneys and staff.
Translate written case documents from Spanish to English and vice versa.
General:
Follow legal case protocols and maintain organized case files.
Schedule and maintain court, client and attorney meeting calendars, and track case deadlines.
Schedule client consultations.
Translate forms and self-help materials into Spanish.
Set up case files, complete intake paperwork, and enter new client cases into the LASC client database. Maintain up-to-date case notes, time reporting and client demographic data.
Close completed cases in the database and enter appropriate outcomes.
Collect and maintain statistical records on services provided, as required by funders.
Administrative and other tasks as assigned.
Participate in community-wide outreach.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
Bilingual in English and Spanish.
At least two (2) years’ experience in an office environment providing services to clients, preferably a non-profit or law office, or college degree.
Demonstrated ability to work with all persons regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, economic background, immigration status, gender identification, or sexual orientation.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a diverse team.
Must be flexible, work well under pressure, and manage time effectively.
Working knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, legal forms software programs, google docs, and database programs.
Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively with great attention to detail, including timely case management and capturing of data for reports to funders.
A firm commitment to accurate and timely data collection and time reporting is required.
A valid CA Driver’s License, proof of current automobile insurance, and reliable transportation are required for this position. Employees who use their own vehicle for eligible transportation expenses will be reimbursed for mileage at the prevailing IRS mileage rate.
This position is not remote. Applicants must be within commuting distance of the LASC office in Santa Rosa, CA.
All applicants must abide by LASC’s current COVID related and security protocols.
Skills/Experience Desired:
Previous experience in legal services and/or demonstrated commitment to public interest law work or to legal services for the poor, is strongly preferred.
Prior Legal training (law student or paralegal student) preferred, but not required, depending on experience.
Prior experience working with individuals experiencing domestic violence.
BENEFITS: Legal Aid of Sonoma County provides a dynamic and supportive work environment, and an excellent benefit package after the completion of an initial 90-day introductory period. Benefits include eligibility for company paid health insurance for the employee or cash-in-lieu, company paid dental insurance, eligibility for 401K participation after one year of continuous employment, and very generous paid vacation/sick/holiday leave policies. Note the benefits package is for the employee only, LASC does not provide health or dental coverage for spouses or dependents.
Legal Aid of Sonoma County is an equal opportunity employer. LASC is a non-profit organization, any employment at LASC is at will and may be contingent on continued funding from program specific contracts and grants. The posted salary range is firm.