Intake Specialist (Bilingual)

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:

Mental Health Advocacy Services (MHAS) is a nonprofit legal aid organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights of people with mental health disabilities. For more than four decades, MHAS has provided free legal services, advocacy, and education to ensure individuals have access to housing, education, employment, healthcare, and the support they need to thrive in their communities. Guided by a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, MHAS works at the intersection of mental health and social justice – empowering individuals, influencing systems, and driving lasting policy change to create a more just and compassionate society.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

MHAS seeks a compassionate, client-centered Intake Specialist (Bilingual) to join our intake team. The Intake Specialist is the first point of contact for people seeking MHAS's free legal services and plays a vital role in ensuring that Spanish-speaking callers receive a welcoming, accessible, and culturally responsive experience. This is a part-time (50% FTE; 16 hours per week) position.

The Intake Specialist reports to and works closely with an MHAS Senior Attorney and works collaboratively with the full intake team to screen callers, gather information, and connect people with the legal help they need. The Intake Specialist also provides administrative support to MHAS attorneys and advocates, including copying, scanning, filing, and mail processing.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

Intake & Client Services

1. Conduct intake screening interviews with prospective clients by phone in both English and Spanish.
2. Gather information about callers' legal issues, apply MHAS eligibility guidelines, and assess what level of assistance can be offered.
3. Under attorney supervision, provide limited information and referrals to callers who are not eligible for MHAS services.
4. Schedule appointments and coordinate communication between clients and attorneys as needed.
5. Enter accurate, timely, and thorough data into MHAS's case management system (LegalServer).
6. Assist with translation of client-facing materials from English to Spanish as needed.

Communication & Teamwork

1. Communicate with clients, partners, and colleagues in a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed manner.
2. Participate in regular supervision meetings, monthly staff meetings, and MHAS trainings and events.
3. Develop and maintain working knowledge of legal aid and community support services in Los Angeles to strengthen referral pathways for Spanish-speaking clients.
4. Keep supervisor informed of any client issues or concerns in a timely manner.

Administrative

1. Maintain organized and accurate records in LegalServer and other systems as required.
2. Perform in-office clerical duties including copying, scanning, filing, and mailing.
3. Support the entire MHAS office by assisting with various administrative tasks as needed.
4. Organize and prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.
5. Complete timesheets and other administrative requirements by established deadlines.
6. Assist with other projects and tasks related to MHAS's mission as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Fluency in written and spoken Spanish and English — required, subject to language testing.
2. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage clients with patience, empathy, and professionalism by phone.
3. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively.
4. Commitment to serving low-income individuals living with mental health disabilities.
5. Computer proficiency, including familiarity with Microsoft Office.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Prior experience in intake, client services, or a related role in a legal services, social services, or advocacy settings.
2. Experience with legal case management software, particularly LegalServer.
3. Familiarity with Los Angeles-area legal aid and social services resources.
4. Experience working with communities affected by mental health disabilities, poverty, or involvement in the legal system.

FRINGE BENEFITS AND WORK CULTURE

On January 1, 2023, MHAS proudly and permanently adopted a four-day work week. All full-time MHAS employees, including this position, work four, eight-hour days per week. The MHAS office is closed on Fridays.

Other benefits include paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; and parking/transit fare reimbursement.

This position is on-site at the MHAS office in Glendale, CA. Schedule to be determined in coordination with the supervisor and may be structured as two full days or four half-days per week.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Mental Health Advocacy Services seeks to fill all positions with people who share our values, including our organizational commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage all interested individuals to apply - especially people of color; women; people from low-income backgrounds; people experiencing mental health and/or physical disabilities; people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming, or non-binary; immigrants; people who have been affected by mass incarceration; and people from other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups. We believe that the resulting diversity is both a source of program strength and a matter of fundamental human fairness.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Submit the following to info@mhas-la.org (please write “Employment Application-Intake Specialist (Bilingual)” in the subject line):

1. Resume
2. Cover letter discussing any and/or all of the following:
   • How you heard about the position;
   • Your motivation for seeking the position;
   • Your interest in working with the communities MHAS serves;
   • How you meet the minimum qualifications; and/or
   • How your personal background or experience, professional or otherwise, have prepared you to contribute to our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

MHAS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, mental or physical disability, or any other basis protected by law.

FRINGE BENEFITS AND WORK CULTURE

On January 1, 2023, MHAS proudly and permanently adopted a four-day work week. All full-time MHAS employees, including this position, work four, eight-hour days per week. The MHAS office is closed on Fridays.

Other benefits include paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; and parking/transit fare reimbursement.

This position is on-site at the MHAS office in Glendale, CA. Schedule to be determined in coordination with the supervisor and may be structured as two full days or four half-days per week.

Fluency in written and spoken Spanish and English — required, subject to language testing.