Job Description
Inland Counties Legal Services is seeking a Legal Receptionist to join our Team in Ontario. Inland Counties Legal Services, Inc. is a nonprofit organization providing legal services to low-income persons residing in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. ICLS targets services to seniors and those in the greatest social or economic need. Legal services are provided by attorneys, or paralegals under the direct supervision of an attorney. Levels of service include advice and counsel, limited action (includes negotiations and preparation of legal documents), as well as direct representation before administrative law and civil courts. ICLS provides legal assistance in a variety of areas in law, the nine practice groups are: Outreach, Consumer, Housing, Family Law, Immigration, Systemic and Impact, Health Law and Public Benefits, Tax and Bankruptcy, and Education. Visit our website at www.inlandlegal.org for more information.
Position Summary:
I. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Purpose of Position:
An Intake Screener/ receptionist is the first point of contact for potential clients. Intake Screener/ receptionist must be professional, respectful and compassionate in obtaining basic information about the applicant and their legal problem quickly and efficiently to determine if applicant is eligible. Intake Screener/ receptionist must provide high-quality information, screening of potential clients, meaningful referrals and scheduling of appointments. Intake Screener/ receptionist must have the ability to handle busy phones with finesse and sensitivity to applicant situation. Intake Screener/ receptionist must be organized, use good judgment and common sense and pay attention to detail. Intake Screener/ receptionist must have computer skills and knowledge of standard office equipment, such as telephones, computers, copiers, and others. Intake Screener/ receptionist will use active listening skills and collect the information in a professional and caring manner as well as ensuring compliance with all company policies and procedures. We are looking for upbeat, energetic people with outgoing personalities; Intake Screener/ receptionist must have a passion for helping others, have a strong work ethic and be responsible and reliable.
B. Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Welcomes and greets everyone who walks into the office. Informs advocates promptly of the arrival of scheduled appointments. Ensures that appointments receive an application for services and a copy of the client grievance policy. Assists in the completion of the application for legal services if necessary.
2. Enters applicant information into the Case Management System consistent with ICLS policies and priorities. Reviews the information and makes a preliminary determination of applicant eligibility.
3. Receives, opens, date stamps and routes all incoming mail to staff according to office procedures. Prepares the office daily outgoing mail with sufficient postage and ensures timely requests for loading the postage meter.
4. Answers telephone calls, takes messages for office personnel, or transfers the call.
5. Obtains the applicant’s signature attesting to U.S. citizenship, or when the applicant claims legal status, obtains the necessary information to document client eligibility.
6. Interviews applicants by phone and in person to obtain or verify basic applicant demographic and financial information needed to complete the intake. Obtains specific basic facts from applicants concerning their legal problems, including the name of the court and case number, if an action is pending; relevant dates. Obtains the relevant documents needed by the advocate attorney at his/her interview with the client.
7. Schedules applicant appointments. Calls the previous day to remind the applicant or client of the appointment date and time.
8. Performs routine clerical tasks such as typing, filing, faxing, photocopying, scanning, etc. Other office tasks as assigned by the manager.
9. Maintains and updates a front desk Client Resource Notebook to include legal as well as social service referrals. Provides appropriate referrals to ineligible clients or callers.
Maintains the client lobby and receptionist area on a daily basis in a clean and organized manner. Posts client resource information, removes outdated materials from the bulletin board and keeps the lobby stocked with pamphlets, flyers or other relevant handouts for clients and visitors.
Participates in ongoing training.
C. Performs other duties as assigned by managing attorney or supervisors.
II. EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
High School Diploma or GED or Certificate of Completion.
Prior work experience as a receptionist or Intake Screener in a professional office preferred. Heavy phone volume/ customer interaction.
Prefer experience working with low income persons. An understanding of the client community being served.
Prior customer service experience
Fluency in the Spanish language: speaking, reading and writing.
Strong communication and phone skills. Displays the ability to communicate effectively with others, listen closely and convey points clearly. Strong active listening skills.
Demonstrates excellent customer service skills and the ability to calm applicants who may be distraught
Professional demeanor
MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, Data Entry
Inland Counties Legal Services Is An
Equal Opportunity Employer
Women, Minorities and Handicapped Persons Encouraged to Apply
Company Description
EXCELLENT BENEFITS! Inland Counties Legal Services, Inc. is a nonprofit organization providing legal services to low-income persons residing in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. ICLS targets services to seniors in the greatest social or economic need. Legal services are provided by attorneys, or paralegals under the direct supervision of an attorney. Services include advice and counsel, limited action (includes negotiations and preparation of legal documents), as well as direct representation before administrative law and civil courts. Legal assistance is provided in areas including housing, family, consumer/civil, public benefits, elder abuse, citizenship clinics, bankruptcies (selected), healthcare access, and domestic violence.