Job Description
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS), founded in 1981, is the oldest and largest volunteer legal services organization in Maryland. The mission of MVLS is to remove barriers to justice through free civil legal help, community engagement, and advocacy for equitable laws. Our vision is for a fair legal system that is free of injustice and equitably serves underrepresented Marylanders. We achieve this goal primarily through our core pro bono program and more targeted programs that serve specialized legal needs. For more program information, visit our website: www.mvlslaw.org. This position focuses on screening clients for acceptance into the MVLS workforce development program, coordinating with agency partners, and matching trainees with volunteers.
MVLS’ core values are teamwork, passion for MVLS’ mission, commitment to clients, volunteers, and community partners, initiative and commitment to eliminate systemic barriers to justice based on race and economic disparities. MVLS is committed to fostering an inclusive culture in the workplace. Our work to end barriers to justice starts with increasing the racial diversity of our staff to better reflect the communities we serve.
Position Summary:
This position is part of MVLS’ Workforce Development Project. The Workforce Development Project is a collaboration with a number of job training facilities in Baltimore City, where MVLS provides legal consultations, Know-Your-Rights presentations, and referrals for job trainees. Our staff work directly with caseworkers at job training sites to streamline client assistance. This is a one-year temporary position.
Job Responsibilities:
- Participate in on-site and/or virtual legal screenings at local job training programs, providing support by directing clients through the process and reviewing applications.
- Prepare and file legal documents for criminal record expungement (training will be provided)
- Keep track of client case status.
- Work with clients and case managers to obtain necessary documents and provide follow-up.
- Develop proficiency using MVLS case management system, LegalServer
- Track each client’s case process including entering and maintaining client applications, court documents, financial eligibility documents, and important correspondence.
- Coordinate level of service and case assignments with staff attorneys.
- Other administrative duties as assigned.
Job Skills:
- Client-centered customer service skills are essential
- Excellent computer, data entry, and organization skills
- Detail oriented, organized, and able to manage a high volume of documents
- Works well with others; team player
- Strong written and oral communication skills essential
Experience & Education:
- At least 2 years of administrative, customer service, or legal experience is preferred
- A paralegal certificate from accredited institution is a plus
- Computer and data entry experience required
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite of programs, i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel.
- Demonstrated commitment through work experience, lived experience or volunteer experience to communities, such as: Children, domestic workers, economically disadvantaged people, Immigrants and refugees, Incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people, LGBTQ people, People of color, People with disabilities, People with HIV/AIDS, Sex workers, Victims of crime and abuse, and Women and girls.
Job Location
This is an in-office position, with the potential for a hybrid work schedule up to two days a week.
MVLS is an equal opportunity employer. MVLS does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity, age, religion, disability status, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, or immigration status.
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