Bilingual Navigator, DC Resource Bridge

Legal Aid DC seeks a Bilingual Navigator to join the DC Resource Bridge.

The DC Resource Bridge is a citywide project, offering a streamlined process for DC residents to access legal services through a single point of entry. Individuals looking for legal help have the option of accessing services by telephone or through an online form. The Bilingual Navigator will speak with callers to understand their legal issues and process online requests. From there, the Bilingual Navigator will connect the applicant with the appropriate legal services organization using an online database system that considers the eligibility criteria, capacity, and areas of expertise of dozens of organizations.

Since 1932, Legal Aid has provided civil legal assistance to clients in individual cases and engaged in systemic reform. Currently, we provide individual representation in consumer law, domestic violence/family law, housing, public benefits, and appellate matters. We also work on immigration matters and help individuals with the collateral consequences of their involvement with the criminal justice system. From the experiences of our clients, we identify opportunities for law reform, public policy advocacy, and systemic impact and appellate litigation.

Legal Aid believes that meaningful pursuit of our anti-poverty mission requires an unwavering commitment to racial justice and equity. We aspire both to reflect the rich racial diversity of the communities we serve and to value, respect, and empower our staff and clients to be effective agents of change. For more information about Legal Aid please visit our website, www.LegalAidDC.org.

Responsibilities

• Conduct trauma-informed eligibility screenings with people seeking legal assistance.
• Identify applicants’ legal needs and send referrals to the appropriate legal services organizations.
• Utilize the coordinated intake system software to process intakes and make referrals..
• Monitor the status of referrals and follow up with legal services organizations and applicants as appropriate.
• Provide legal information and resources to applicants.
• Communicate with legal services organization staff regarding the processing and acceptance of referrals.
• Participate in outreach to community members, organizations, and other community partners.
• Maintain and update information about legal services organizations and legal resources in the coordinated intake system software.
• Collaborate with the project team and stakeholders to continuously improve the coordinated intake program processes and technologies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Legal Aid DC follows a hybrid work schedule. The Bilingual Navigator will generally be expected to work in person 50% of their working hours, and additional in-person work may be required to meet operational needs.

Qualifications

• Working proficiency or fluency in Spanish, Amharic, or another language prevalent in our client community
• Excellent problem solver with sound judgment and the ability to meet adversity with tenacity
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Good organizational skills and ability to track tasks that require longer-term follow-up
• Commitment to a user-centered approach, centered in compassion and confidentiality
• Knowledge of the DC civil legal services sector

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting intake
• Experience providing navigation services to community members (i.e. legal or medical settings)
• Lived experience navigating legal and/or social services, particularly in DC
• Customer service experience, particularly via phone

An offer of employment will be contingent on applicant's passing a language proficiency assessment. Having met that condition, the Bilingual Navigator will become eligible for a one-time language bonus benefit of $3,000 six months after their date of hire for the use of their language skills. The bonus will be paid on the first pay period after the eligibility date.

Salary and Benefits

The Bilingual Navigator will be paid in accordance with Legal Aid's policy based on years of relevant full-time experience. Lateral hires will receive credit for years of relevant work experience. Starting salaries are as follows:

• Entry-level: $53,739
• 2 years of relevant work experience: $57,335
• 3 years relevant work experience: $62,419
• 5 years relevant work experience: $66,350

Legal Aid generally provides two salary increases per year, depending on funding availability: a cost-of-living increase at the beginning of the year and a step increase in July.

Legal Aid offers a generous benefits package, including eligibility for fully paid health insurance, annual retirement match, 13 paid holidays, 20 days of annual leave per year and 15 days of sick leave per year.

Click here for full salary scale and additional benefits information.

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. New hires start with a 90-day probationary period before they are considered full-time, regular employees.

To Apply

Legal Aid values an inclusive, diverse workplace and encourages applications from interested persons from diverse backgrounds of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

We strongly encourage applications from people with personal experience with the criminal justice system and/or with lived experiences in the communities we serve. Interested persons should submit a letter of interest and resume here. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Application closes at 5pm EST on May 4, 2026. No emails or phone calls, please.

Working proficiency or fluency in Spanish, Amharic, or another language prevalent in our client community is required.