Salary
$52,203.81 - $97,744.11 Annually
Job Number
24ARS700MN011
Closing Date
2/29/2024 11:59 PM Central
Description
The Adult Representation Services (ARS) department is seeking a Legal Services Specialist to provide culturally specific advocacy and ongoing assessment and assistance involving complex social problems for court-appointed clients in civil proceedings. ARS provides high-quality, holistic, and equitable representation to clients experiencing poverty in certain civil matters where fundamental rights are impacted such as child protection, guardianship, commitment, housing, and child support contempt.Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit the employee referral page. Location and hours:This position is located in downtown Minneapolis at the Health Services Building at 525 Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415, and community sites as needed. Core work hours will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional required evening or weekend hours to meet client and community needs. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota and Wisconsin.New employees who are hired into remote or hybrid positions between January 2, 2022, to December 31, 2024, will receive $500 toward the cost of establishing consistent internet connectivity, payable upon completion of 6 months of employment. About the position type:This is a full-time, benefit-earning position. This position is internally classified as a Legal Services Specialist.Click here to view the job classification specification.In this position, you will:
· Assess client needs and serve as an advocate for clients by developing appropriate service plans that support their goals.
· Review case files, interview clients, and consult with attorneys to make recommendations that support the client and their case.
· Prepare clients to participate in the court process, by providing information and explaining legal terms and proceedings.
· Provide ongoing and follow up services to victims and families including short-term counseling, crisis intervention, and ongoing support.
· Prepare and maintain case records, reports, correspondence, and memorandums.
· Maintain working relationships with community resources, mental health and social service agencies, and legal system professionals to coordinate client service plans.
· Develop and participate in community engagement, outreach, and education efforts.
Need to have:One of the following:
· Forty (40) or more approved upper division quarter college credits in the behavioral/social sciences (e.g., psychology, criminal justice, sociology, etc.) and two years or more of experience performing duties related to the position.
· Bachelor's degree or higher which includes or is supplemented by 40 or more approved upper division quarter college credits in the behavioral/social sciences (e.g., psychology, criminal justice, sociology, etc.) and one year or more of experience performing duties related to the position.
Nice to have:
· Experience:
o Working with and advocating for oppressed, underserved, or racially discriminated against communities.
o Promoting the interests of individuals with professionals and community agencies, while applying policies, rules, and procedures.
o Providing legal advocacy services to clients from diverse cultural and/or socioeconomic backgrounds and/or communities impacted by poverty, racism, violence and/or distrust of police and governmental agencies.
o Utilizing existing community and/or system resources available to individuals of limited means.
o Working and/or volunteering with individuals and/or families impacted by trauma.
· Knowledge of:
o The impact of traumatic incidents.
o The legal system and legal proceedings.
o Counseling techniques.
o Available system and community resources.
o An understanding of institutional and systemic racism, its impact on communities and individuals, and a desire to eliminate racial disparities and address the trauma caused by institutional and systemic racism.
· Ability to:
o Display cultural competence when working with victims from all cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses.
o Provide trauma informed services.
o Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
o Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, witnesses, families, legal professionals, community agencies, and the public.
Candidates with fluency in another language(s) in addition to English are encouraged to apply. Bilingual candidates who pass a language assessment may qualify for additional bilingual pay and duties.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Marita Nguyen