Intake Specialist

Program Summary:

Founded in 1967, California Indian Legal Services (CILS) is the oldest public interest Indian rights law firm in the country, promoting the fundamental rights of California Tribes and Indians through litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, community development, and other strategies for systemic change. CILS provides a full range of legal representation to California Indian Tribes and Indian organizations, advocates for the rights of California Indians at the local, state, and national levels, and provides direct services and community education to low-income Native American individuals on issues related to Federal Indian Law. Currently, CILS offers services statewide and maintains four offices throughout California – Eastern (Bishop), Southern (Escondido), Northern (McKinleyville), and Central (Sacramento). This position is in the Central Office, located in Sacramento, CA. For additional information about CILS, go to our website at www.calindian.org.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This is a full-time position devoted to increasing and enhancing our legal services. Under the supervision of the Directing Attorney and with direction the Intake Manager, the Intake Specialist will work collaboratively with other staff to process requests effectively and efficiently for legal assistance from individuals, Tribes, and Indian organizations via live phone calls, voicemail, email, and in-person community education presentations.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position involves both administrative office and case management work. The major responsibilities of this position are to conduct intakes with potential clients; to ensure that community members receive helpful, efficient information and assistance through the intake process; to work with other staff to develop and implement a variety of outreach strategies to increase community members’ access to legal services; and to provide legal assistance on cases as needed. Substantive work will include:

• Conducting preliminary interviews with potential clients.
• Completing intake forms and data entry into case management system.
• Gathering information on potential legal issues.
• Presenting intakes at case acceptance meetings with attorneys.
• Providing referrals to other sources of assistance.
• Performing follow-up investigation and research.
• Creating and maintaining case files.
• Assisting with grant compliance and reporting.
• Drafting legal documents under supervision of an attorney.
• Providing backup on front line office phones.
• Conducting legal research as needed.
• Corresponding with clients and counsel as directed.
• Other duties as assigned.

SALARY:

Competitive salary: $27.23 - $30.00 hourly. CILS creates job position wage and salary ranges using data from California non-profit legal services annual data sources; employees are placed within a range depending on degrees, certifications, experience, qualifications, and other factors.

BENEFITS:

CILS provides an extensive benefits package, including: 

• Multiple high-quality, and low-cost medical plans. 
• 100% coverage for the employee and 90% for dependent premiums. 
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible medical/dental, dependent care, and public transportation expenses. 
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match. 
• 18 paid holidays annually (includes office closure from December 24-January 1).
• Vacation time off, starting at 13 days accrued per year. 
• Sick leave is set at 12 days per year. 
• Paid leave for jury duty/witness services, Election Day, bereavement. 
• Free professional development courses and learning opportunities. 
• Employee Assistance Program with access to free mental health services. 
• Loan Repayment Assistance Program for eligible positions – Attorney positions only at this time. 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Certified Employer
• Supplemental insurance, including additional life and disability coverage.

LOCATION:

This hybrid position is based out of the Central Office in Sacramento, CA, from Monday through Friday with telework options on Monday and Fridays unless business needs require in-person attendance.

TO APPLY:

Submit a resume, cover letter and three professional references. We will accept applications until the position is filled, but CILS does not accept incomplete application.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have

• Paralegal certificate or equivalent experience. 
• Demonstrated interest in Native American rights, public interest law, and/or commitment to working with low-income and other disadvantaged clients. 
• Highly organized and able to analyze and present ideas clearly and concisely. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills – ability to communicate empathetically but productively with callers in crisis. 
• Comfortable with a variety of computer programs including web-based case management systems. 
• Ability to work productively and empathetically with individuals from diverse backgrounds. 
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and to take initiative. 

Desired

• Prior legal services experience.
• Prior intake or customer service experience.
• Academic, lived or working experience related to Native Americans and Tribal Communities.