Organization: California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA) is a nonprofit legal service program created to help California's low-income individuals and communities. Founded in 1966, CRLA's mission is to fight for justice and individual rights alongside the most exploited communities of our society. Our work impacts farm workers, individuals with disabilities, immigrant populations, LGBT communities, women, children and families in rural areas.
The CRLA Santa Rosa office is seeking applicants to fill a Community Worker position. This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt position available immediately and applicants will be considered until the position is filled.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Applicant intake, perform initial interview/screening for eligibility. Provide applicants with appropriate legal information and referrals. Prepare and deliver verbal and written reports of applicant interviews to attorneys and other staff.
• Conduct investigations, gather information through field inquiry and other research related to actual or potential cases and litigation. Prepare simple documents from standard forms. Assist pro-per clients in identifying useful information for presentation of their cases; provide appropriate advocacy and make referrals where appropriate.
• Lay advocacy, represent client's interests in administrative hearings and other forums appropriate to a non-lawyer and engage in lay advocacy to the extent permissible under the law and the code of professional ethics. Perform ministerial duties in connection with lawsuits such as filing and the service of process; and interpreting for non-English speaking clients in interview situations and before formal and informal tribunals.
• Community outreach and education, provide legal information and skills training to individuals and groups to help our client communities understand and assert their legal rights and responsibilities.
• Collaboration with other agencies, maintain liaison with other community organizations and groups to ensure that CRLA resources address client community needs.
• Community Workers may be required to work/travel outside the office.
• Perform other tasks assigned.
Qualifications & Requirements:
• Commitment to serving low income clients & able to interact with diverse community populations.
• Knowledgeable with technology, CMS database, Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual (English & Spanish) fluent required.
• Applicant must have a valid driver license (Class C) + good driving record and proof of vehicle insurance.
• Knowledgeable of interviewing techniques.
• Knowledgeable or the ability to learn the techniques of conducting community outreach events.
• Ability to effectively communicate and negotiate with adverse parties, under the supervision of the attorney.
Supervisor: Directing Attorney/Program Director
Supervises: None
WOMEN AND MINORITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. CRLA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
•Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
•do NOT contact us with unsolicited services or offers
•OK to highlight this job opening for persons with disabilities
Application: Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. CRLA is an equal opportunity employer. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please send cover letter and resume to HR Department at: [email protected]. Please be sure to reference “CW – Santa Rosa” in the subject line of e-mail.