Reports to
Director of Pro Bono & Strategic Partnerships
FLSA Status
Full-Time, Non-exempt (Union position)
Application Deadline
Until Filled
Salary
$20.35 – $31.61 per hour
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
For over 50 years, CCLS has been representing and advocating for low-income individuals in Merced, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Fresno, Tulare, and Kings Counties. With more than 90 employees, CCLS works to provide high quality, no-cost civil legal services to low-income individuals, families, and communities—improving the wellbeing of our Valley through systems-changing advocacy, client education, and legal work that meets individual clients’ immediate needs. We also work closely with agencies and community organizations that share our commitment to support our clients in being their own agents of change.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Under supervision of the Director of Pro Bono & Strategic Partnerships, the Administrative Assistant will work with Pro Bono Program (PBP) staff to expand recruitment and use of volunteer attorneys enabling CCLS to increase the provision of high-quality services to clients.
The Pro Bono Program (PBP), a project of CCLS, encourages private attorneys to donate legal services through its organized clinics, special projects, and direct client representation. PBP provides case management, litigation support, training, and co-counseling for private-practice volunteer attorneys handling pro bono cases. PBP serves clients in multiple areas of civil law consistent with CCLS program priorities.
DUTIES
- Provide project support to staff and core team members including a comprehensive program assessment and achievement of identified project goals;
- Assist with the identification and analysis of systemic issues through review of program data;
- Assist with coordination of interns and law clerks;
- Prepare MCLE certificates and reports for department MCLE events;
- Enter volunteer and community partner data into department database (Legal Server) and department spreadsheets;
- Assist with pro bono case placement, case status updates, and volunteer time reporting;
- Communicate and interface with other staff advocates, pro bono attorneys and community partner groups;
- Work directly with CCLS clients for clinic registration, finalizing intakes, executing attestations and retainers;
- Contribute in identifying client groups, community-based organization, other service providers, pro bono attorneys and others for participation in the program, which may include being proactive in community outreach and educational events;
- Maintain calendars for the PBP staff, in addition to other general administrative duties;
- Assist in collecting project data and the completion of periodic project reports;
- Coordinate outreach events and legal clinics;
- Travel to CCLS offices and community events, as needed;
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- At least two years prior administrative assistant and/or secretarial experience or equivalent experience;
- Ability to type at least 45 words per minute;
- Demonstrate a genuine interest in the needs and legal rights of low-income people;
- Highly organized with strong interpersonal communication and writing skills;
- Ability to develop and foster cooperative and productive relationship with clients, staff, community groups, private attorneys and other key justice community stakeholders;
- Commitment to team work, with the ability to work independently to achieve project goals;
- Strong computer and database skills (Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint) and the ability to learn case management software (Legal Server);
- Must understand and follow CCLS and grant project policies and procedures;
- Ability to conduct interviews, legal research, analytical reasoning ability and problem solving;
- Must work effectively with diverse groups of individuals and organizations including ability to provide leadership within a culturally diverse environment;
- Commitment to joining the organization efforts towards diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging;
- Bilingual ability highly preferred (Spanish/English, Hmong/English);
- Reliable transportation with appropriate car insurance.
CCLS is an equal opportunity employer: we value equity, inclusion, and diversity, across all races, cultures, classes, ages, religions, gender identities and presentations, sexual orientations, body sizes, family structures, abilities, and all categories protected by law. We encourage all interested individuals to apply. CCLS is subject to a Collective Bargaining Agreement.