Legal Aid Chicago encourages applicants with relevant volunteer and work experience, who have experiences with our client communities or individuals who identify as a person of color, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, or otherwise having backgrounds and experiences that are underrepresented in the legal profession to apply.

For over 50 years, Legal Aid Chicago has provided free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. Each year our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. Legal Aid Chicago was founded on the philosophy that all individuals are entitled to quality civil legal representation, regardless of their income. We work to ensure that poverty is not an impediment to justice by dismantling the legal barriers that perpetuate inequality. Legal Aid Chicago staff live our mission through our core values of equity, excellence, inclusion, kindness, and respect.

Position: Legal Aid Chicago seeks one full-time Intake Specialist in our Client Screening Unit (CSU). CSU is the central entry point for applicants seeking legal assistance from Legal Aid Chicago. Applications for services are accepted by phone, online, in person, and through referrals from community partners.  This position is located in Austin at Westside Health Authority, 5422 W. Division St., in Chicago and requires in-person presence 3 days per week.

Responsibilities:

• Register applicants for services in an electronic case management system
• Conduct interviews in-person and by phone to determine applicant’s eligibility for services, gather basic case facts, and identify basic legal problems
• Apply Legal Aid Chicago’s eligibility guidelines and legal services priorities to determine the appropriate level of service for clients
• Provide referrals and give limited legal advice under the direction and supervision of attorneys
• Schedule appointments with one of Legal Aid Chicago’s Practice Groups for applicants who may need more extended legal representation
• Attend staff meetings and trainings to develop knowledge to provide high-quality legal services
• Participate in occasional outreach activities in the Austin community to promote in-person services
• Maintain proficiency with all equipment, technology, policies and procedures needed to perform duties

Salary and Benefits:

This position is part of the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. The Collective Bargaining Agreement sets employment terms and compensation is determined by the CBA salary scale, based on paid experience.

The Intake Specialist position begins at $41,500 and increases for every relevant year of experience.

Legal Aid Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Bilingual Intake Specialists are eligible for an additional stipend
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment
• Time Off: 15 vacation days and 13 sick days accrued within the first year of employment
• 14 paid holidays, including one floating holiday
• Six weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the salary after six months of employment
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution after one year of employment
• $50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no cost
• Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost
• Monthly internet reimbursement
• Legal Aid Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program

• A minimum of a high school diploma, college degree preferred
• Computer proficiency, including familiarity with Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent interpersonal, listening, oral and written communication skills
• Be well organized, detail-oriented, and able to follow written instructions
• Ability to work well under pressure

Legal Aid Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. Our main office, located in downtown Chicago at 120 S. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible and has convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. This position is based primarily in Austin, but also requires in-person attendance at staff meetings in the main office. Participation in occasional outreach events is encouraged and may require travel to various locations.

To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information of two primary professional references and one alternative professional reference. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

Legal Aid Chicago is firmly committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age religion, marital or parental status, alienage, disability, political affiliation or belief, military or military discharge status, or ex-offender status, or any other protected status.

If an accommodation is needed to complete this application, contact Human Resources at humanresources@legalaidchicago.org.