Advocacy and Intake Coordinator

Summary: Uptown People’s Law Center (UPLC) is hiring an Advocacy and Intake Coordinator to answer phones, greet visitors and clients at the front desk, and provide administrative support to the legal team and management staff. UPLC is a nonprofit legal support and advocacy organization that helps protect the rights of tenants, people with disabilities and prisoners. Some of UPLC’s work is focused on Uptown and surrounding communities. It also works to support people who are currently or formerly incarcerated people statewide.

Purpose: To welcome and direct clients who stop by or call the office, and to support the legal and management staff with administrative tasks which are vital to keeping UPLC operating efficiently. This position is directly accountable to the Operations Director, but tasks will be assigned and overseen by the Social Worker.

Responsibilities. This position is responsible for the following:

Welcome and assist clients:

• Welcome UPLC clients and community members who come to the office for help, treating everyone with respect and dignity.
• Answer the phone, check voice messages, and return all calls (within 48 hours) and then assist people or forward them to the appropriate place.
• Respond to emails sent to UPLC’s general email.
• Track all calls and visits in UPLC tracking systems.
• Assess if UPLC can assist someone and offer referrals if known.
• Manage disruptive situations (with help as needed). Many UPLC clients have experienced trauma and need compassion and calmness.

Support the legal and outreach teams:

• Maintain records of client contacts in the case management system.
• Schedule legal calls with people in custody for attorneys and paralegals.
• Mail self-help guides to people and send mail for attorneys and paralegals.
• Copy or scan documents needed for cases.
• Assist with processing and responding to mail from people in custody
• Assist in scheduling outreach programs.
• Manage printing and assembling outreach and legal materials.
• Assist staff attorneys with maintaining case files and court calendars

Support the office and entire staff:

• Inventory and order office supplies.
• Maintain and update the inventory of equipment.
• Assist staff with simple technology questions.
• Schedule and oversee office cleaning and repairs.
• Keep a conference room schedule.

Other:

• Assist as necessary with grant reporting
• Participate in staff meetings, retreats, and other special events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• This is an entry level position. However, some experience performing administrative tasks in a professional office environment, as an intern, work study, or a volunteer is preferred.
• Incredibly detail-oriented, with strong organizational and project management skills, and ability to juggle multiple priorities.
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred.
• Computer skills are needed including at least intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, and the ability to adapt to new technologies quickly and effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Ability to work with clients who have experienced trauma and/or crisis.
• Cross-cultural competencies and self-awareness around issues of power, privilege, and difference.
• Flexibility, and ability to work independently with little supervision, or collaborate with others as needed.
• Ability to be in-person daily. This is an in-person position. The person may occasionally work from home, but not regularly.

Paid health, dental, vision, holidays, vacation, sick time and retirement contribution.

Conversational Spanish is desired but not required.