Bilingual Caseworker

Status: 1.00 Full Time Non-Exempt

Reports to: FJC Domestic Violence Attorney and Supervising Attorney

Salary: $24.00 - $26 per hour, depending on experience

TO APPLY: Submit a Cover Letter and Resume to Esther Lemus, Supervising Attorney, elemus@legalaidsc.com. 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 Caseworker to support our Family Justice Center Attorney in providing legal services to victims of domestic violence (DV), sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking, and stalking.

The BLA will be an employee of Legal Aid of Sonoma County (Legal Aid is not a government agency nor affiliated with the Court) but will work on-site at the Family Justice Center Sonoma County (FJC). 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.

The Family Justice Center is a collaboration of the District Attorney’s office, law enforcement, and co-located non-profits serving victims of violence. Staff at the FJC must be able to work well in close quarters with a variety of government agencies and community partners. This position is contingent on successful passage of a Sonoma County District Attorney’s office background check.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Legal Support for Clients:

• Assist both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking clients with domestic violence issues.Triage 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.
Translate during client consultations with non-Spanish speaking attorneys and staff.

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 and proof of current automobile insurance required.

• This position is not remote, applicants must live in or be willing to relocate to within commuting distance of the FJC office in Santa Rosa, CA.
• All applicants must abide by LASC and the FJC’s current COVID 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

COVID-19 considerations:
In response to COVID-19 we have limited remote work opportunities (one day a week from home allowed).

License/Certification:

• CDL (Preferred)

Work Location: In person