Community Worker

CALIFORNIA RURAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE INC•Modesto, CA

3d•$47,000 - $73,000•Onsite

About The Position

Founded in 1966, CRLA's mission is to fight for justice and individual rights alongside the most exploited communities of our society. Through a network of regional offices and cross-cutting programs, CRLA provides legal services to tens of thousands of low-income people annually. Our work impacts farmworkers, indigenous populations, individuals with disabilities, immigrant populations, LGBTQ+ communities, women, children, and low-income families in rural areas. Position: Community Worker Experience: 6+ months Application Deadline: Open until filled Location: CRLA Modesto Office Term of Employment: Temporary (1 year), Full Time (37.5hrs/week) Other: FLSA Non-Exempt, Union Position Reporting to the Directing Attorney, the Community Worker will perform initial screenings for eligibility and interviews to determine the nature of the legal problem/s and to identify the type of legal assistance being sought by the applicants. The Community Worker will also represent clients in administrative hearings and assist with the office's cases. The Community Worker is the liaison with the community and as such will also conduct outreach and build connections with community partners. CRLA's areas of focus include housing, employment, education, and civil rights.

Requirements

6+ months experience

Responsibilities

Perform initial screening for eligibility
Interview applicants to determine the nature of their legal problem and identify the type of legal assistance being sought.
Interview applicants to learn the underlying causes of their legal problem and how the legal assistance being sought would assist clients in meeting their short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals.
Provide applicants with appropriate legal information and referrals.
Prepare and deliver to attorneys and other staff verbal and written reports of applicant interviews, including facts pertinent to the issues raised by applicants.
Assess applicants' capacities to represent themselves in the legal matter and the obstacles they face in meeting their stated goals.
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 helpful information for the presentation of their cases.
Provide appropriate advocacy and make referrals where applicable.
Represent the 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 the service of process.
Provide legal information and skills training to individuals and groups to help our clients understand and assert their legal rights and responsibilities.
Maintain CRLA liaison with community organizations and groups to ensure that CRLA resources address client community needs.
Community Workers may be required to work outside the office, for instance, to work on regional sweeps.
Perform other tasks assigned.