Disaster Outreach/Intake Assistant

Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt

General Description of the Position

The Disaster Outreach/Intake Assistant is responsible for managing several large-scale projects aimed at connecting MLSA clients with disaster and legal services offered through the disaster legal services program within MLSA. The Disaster Outreach/Intake Assistant will serve as the primary point of contact for this project and will be responsible for project development, implementation, and management of this project. The Assistant will conduct outreach to gather information about the legal needs of disaster victims in Montana and will recruit volunteer (pro bono) attorneys to provide legal services in the targeted areas.  

Specific Duties

• Respectfully interview potential applicants for legal services who may be under stress of legal action, elicit factual information from applicants, analyze the type of legal problem presented to determine whether MLSA may assist, or whether a referral is appropriate, and evaluate legal need and financial eligibility of the applicant.
• Work with MLSA’s Disaster Relief Program Coordinator and/or the Pro Bono Project Coordinator to integrate disaster legal assistance into MLSA’s statewide program.
• Regularly connect with MLSA’s Communications Manager to ensure that Disaster Outreach efforts reflect and coincide with the movement of MLSA’s communications as a whole.
• Recruit and support volunteers across the state willing to assist with the civil legal needs of victims of disaster.
• Establish and manage an advisory committee tasked with overseeing the development of the program.
• Develop recruitment and training materials for volunteers.
• Develop a statewide network of agencies involved in disaster response and solicit feedback from stakeholders on the civil legal needs of disaster survivors.
• Help to develop technology enhancements to streamline the application and referral process for disaster survivors.
• Coordinate grant compliance.

• Determine the legal needs and financial eligibility of the applicant for program services.
• Accurately enter data and scan and upload documents into MLSA’s case management system.
• Input data from on-line or paper applications.
• Mail HelpLine correspondence, civil legal education and other literature to individuals.
• Maintain calendars in the case management system and schedule advice appointments with MLSA advocates as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of legal and social service agencies.
• Participate as a Live Help Navigator for MLSA’s website www.MontanaLawHelp.org.
• Provide back up to the front desk to greet and assist walk-in clients.

• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor, Deputy Director, or Communications Manager.

Required Skills & Attributes

• Commitment to providing high quality legal assistance to low-to-moderate income Montanans.
• Ability and willingness to work cooperatively and collegially within a decentralized statewide law firm.
• Ability to respond to clients in a calm, empathetic and professional manner while courteously directing the conversation to the pertinent issues.

• Experience with recruiting and coordinating volunteers and/or experience as a volunteer.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work productively in a fast-paced environment with multiple timelines.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple activities and tasks.
• Knowledge and proficiency in utilizing computer software such as MS Excel, MS Word, computer-based research, internet-based project management programs, etc.
• Ability to use technologies to communicate with colleagues and volunteers in rural and remote locations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to manage projects.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgment.
• Ability to travel, occasionally overnight.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent educational experience.

• Experience with providing services to disaster victims.

• Prior legal experience, but a demonstrated commitment to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion through volunteer activities and internships is valued.
• An understanding of the civil equal justice legal needs of low-income people, including the unique needs of populations that experience particular barriers to access to justice systems, and of effective approaches and methods for addressing those needs.
• Experience working collaboratively and empathetically with diverse groups of colleagues, firm partners, and clients who have varying cultural backgrounds, perspectives, experience, and expertise.

MLSA is an equal opportunity employer and we consider the diversity of our staff to be vital to our organization's success. We strongly encourage and welcome people of all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, ages, genders, and physical abilities to apply.