Self-Help Coordinator

Northern Nevada Legal Aid (NNLA), formerly known as Washoe Legal Services, is seeking a Self-Help Coordinator.

The Self-Help Coordinator position has a high volume of activity and requires excellent interpersonal skills to interact with the public. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a law office or legal experience and must already know the fundamentals of working in an office: phone etiquette, customer service, copying, filing, emailing, and computer literacy. The Self-Help Coordinator provides legal information, educational materials, training to self-represented litigants regarding court rules, court procedure, and information on various legal topics. NNLA will train the right candidate for the position. Strong attendance record and consistent punctuality are expected. If you are looking for a workplace that values your contributions and helps the community as well as gives you flexibility to maintain a positive work-life balance, then NNLA may be the place for you!

Duties and Responsibilities

• Greet and welcome walk-in clients at NNLA’s self-help center
• Respond to phone calls, voice mails and emails regarding requests for self-help assistance
• Ensure completion of appropriate intake form and enter client data daily into database
• Aid with the identification and completion of legal forms to self-represented litigants in a variety of legal matters (i.e. family law, landlord/tenant, non-domestic & domestic protective orders, small claims, records sealing, powers of attorney, name changes, etc.)
• Aid with completion of applications or forms developed by states, cities, municipalities, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, or other community partners as directed relevant to NNLA and its programs
• Help litigants with electronic filing by educating them regarding procedures, locating forms, and navigating the e-filing system
• Disinfect Self-Help area at the end of the day and as otherwise needed
• Cover intake for various departments when needed
• Cover front desk, as needed, including screening, logging and handling calls
• If bilingual, interpreting and translating for various departments as needed
• May assist with Washoe County Detention Center Inmate Program by reviewing and responding to online requests, sending documents to inmates via mail, and traveling to the jail once a week to notarize documents for inmates
• May assist or be main contact for NNLA to staff the Self-Help Center at the Reno Justice Courthouse (RJC)
• Other duties assigned as needed

Qualifications

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred
• Ability to obtain a notary certification
• Have strong communication skills, both written and verbal. An empathetic yet effective communicator with a positive attitude, able to explain complex legal matters to clients in a manner that ensures their comprehension
• Be comfortable working with individuals of different backgrounds, including those from different cultures, socio-economic statuses, seniors, and vulnerable populations
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and be comfortable with direct client contact while maintaining a professional demeanor
• Be able to take initiative and work independently, as well as be a part of a great team of caring individuals providing an invaluable service
• Desire to problem-solve, make decisions efficiently, and refer clients to resources as appropriate
• Preference may be given to those familiar with the practice of law, interviewing clients, and how local
  courts operate

Prior experience working with low-income individuals, victims of trauma, crime, or domestic violence, and/or case management software are also desirable.

Salary/Benefits

Position is a full-time, non-exempt position, with a salary range of $18-$22 an hour to be determined based upon experience and qualifications.

NNLA promotes a positive work-life balance by offering a 35 hour, 37.5 hour, or 40 hour work week, 13 paid holidays per year, and a generous PTO program that starts accruing immediately to around 4.5 weeks of PTO a year (increase in PTO accrual after 2 years).

NNLA offers a competitive benefits package which pays 100% of the employee Medical, Dental, Vision and Life plans along with paying 75% of dependents benefit premium. In addition, NNLA has a 401(k) matching program, an Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care Account, and supplemental benefits.

Application Deadline and Starting Date
Position is available immediately and will remain posted until filled.

How to Apply
To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to hmeek@nnlegalaid.org or fill out the form below.

Location
Work is expected to be performed on-site at the primary office of NNLA, located at 299 S. Arlington Ave nestled between Reno’s lively Downtown and Midtown neighborhoods. In addition, this position will also work at the Reno Justice Courthouse located at 1 S. Sierra St.

About Northern Nevada Legal Aid

Formerly known as Washoe Legal Services, Northern Nevada Legal Aid (NNLA) is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Washoe County, Nevada which was established in 1965 and has been in continuous operation since. NNLA provides Northern Nevada’s vulnerable populations access to justice, regardless of their ability to pay, to protect their rights, safety, and family stability.

NNLA plays a critical role in increasing the safety and stability of domestic violence victims and their children; protecting the rights of abused and neglected children, the indigent, and the elderly; and increasing the safety and stability of immigrants who are elderly or victims of crime and domestic or sexual violence. NNLA’s purpose is to achieve justice for those whose voices might otherwise not be heard, to empower individuals to advocate for themselves, and to make positive changes in the communities we serve.

In 2022, Northern Nevada Legal Aid assisted in over 10,500 legal matters. Specifically, NNLA represented children in the custody of the Washoe County Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Children and Family Services (rural counties) in 1,217 legal matters, including 1,153 in their underlying 432B (abuse and neglect) matters, 36 in adoptions, and 24 in continuing jurisdiction after having reached 18 years of age; NNLA represented 1,258 protected persons in adult guardianship cases and 152 in minor guardianship; NNLA assisted 931 clients under 60 years of age with housing and/or consumer related issues; NNLA provided legal services to 1,343 individuals over 60 years of age through its Senior Legal Center; NNLA assisted victims of domestic violence in 50 extended protective order cases and 86 divorce and/or custody cases; NNLA assisted 368 individuals (including, primarily, victims of crime) in immigration matters; and NNLA provided self-help services to 1,980 individuals.

Diversity Statement:
Northern Nevada Legal Aid is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to the empowerment of vulnerable individuals and communities, through the expansion of access to legal justice in Northern Nevada. We do not discriminate in regards to gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other protected class as provided for by law or statute. Individuals of diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

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