Job Description: Assistant Program Director and Financial Liaison 

Supervised by: Director of Just Us Bridge 

About us/Overview 

Just Us Bridge is a state grant-funded restorative justice program from Jim Winner Professional Litigant Information Products that functions as a web based Civil Legal aid Self-Help Clinic. We are creating Illinois’ first compendium of self-help legal training created from a grassroots perspective of self-representation. We will be providing plain-language video instruction, and written materials to instruct eligible participants on actionable methods to defend against the most common consumer finance issues including, without limit, Tenants rights, Eviction Defense, Credit Card Collection, Employee Rights, Anti-Discrimination Law, and Wage Garnishments. Participants will learn the fundamentals of managing a civil case, as a defendant or plaintiff, from the complaint and answer phase, through trial. We are seeking highly motivated individuals who are passionate about the program and will ensure that resources are used effectively to assist as many eligible participants as possible! 

Essential Responsibilities: 

Client Services: 

• Support program clients through planning, information and advocacy. 

• Link clients to resources necessary to meet civil legal aid needs, including referrals to legal and supportive services. 

• Maintain strong communication with clients and follow up promptly with applicants (Virtual Communications). 

• Help lead hiring and training initiatives 

• Manage projects and oversee tasks of staff members, volunteers, and interns. 

• Translate/interpret for clients and attorneys as needed. 

• Assist with client intake and services as needed. 

• Maintain client files, opening and closing cases according to agency internal procedures. 

• Analyze client data and feedback via survey results to create to implement optimization strategies 

• Record all client and vendor/subcontractor communications. 

• Develop and track proposals for all foundation, corporate, and government funding, and monitor grant compliance in conjunction with General Counsel 

• Track and present deliverables

• Examine the accessibility of legal aid services to people with disabilities, with the goal of eliminating any barriers that would prevent a person with a disability from using these services.

Collaboration and Networking: 

• Foster and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including legal aid organizations, community groups, and government units. 

• Actively participate in outreach efforts and grant training meetings to expand the program's network and impact within the community. 

• Stay informed on legal aid matters and facilitate partnerships built on trust and shared goals. 

• Serve as a bridge between the program and external organizations to facilitate collaboration and community engagement. 

Team Training and Management: 

• Lead hiring initiatives by defining roles, drafting job descriptions, and seeking feedback from relevant stakeholders. 

• Collaborate with HR and the General Counsel to ensure legal compliance throughout the hiring process. 

• Coordinate interview schedules, conduct Zoom interviews, and maintain organized documentation of candidate interactions. 

• Oversee onboarding processes for new team members, ensuring access to necessary resources and training. 

Data Analysis and Optimization: 

• Analyze participant data to identify trends, sticking points, and areas for improvement in program delivery. 

• Review feedback via surveys and implement strategies to address participant concerns and enhance program effectiveness. 

• Develop and implement optimization strategies based on data insights to continuously improve program outcomes. 

• Record all participant and vendor communications to maintain transparency, accountability, and mitigate potential disputes.

Program Mission and Development: 

• Ensure program focus and goal alignment by collaborating with the Program Director and key staff. 

• Seek written approval for new initiatives or modifications to maintain transparency and accountability. 

• Document and communicate initiatives thoroughly to all relevant stakeholders, encouraging feedback and evaluation. 

• Embrace flexibility and adaptability in managing program evolution, adjusting strategies based on changing circumstances and feedback. 

Financial Liaison Responsibilities: 

• Implement internal controls and create risk management strategy 

• Oversee budgeting and financial reporting

• Work with accounting to manage projects keeping them on time and on budget 

• Ensure goals are adequately funded 

• Evaluate information systems and initiate changes where needed 

• Maintain strong communication and manage changes needed for compliance and goal achievement 

Compliance and Reporting: 

• Monitor grant compliance in collaboration with the General Counsel, ensuring alignment with grant agreements and guidelines. 

• Track and present program deliverables through periodic performance reports, ensuring accuracy and adherence to grant objectives. 

• Maintain detailed records of compliance efforts and communicate with granting agencies to address any issues or inquiries promptly. 

• Monitor grant compliance in collaboration with the General Counsel, ensuring alignment with grant agreements and guidelines. 

• Track and present program deliverables through periodic performance reports, ensuring accuracy and adherence to grant objectives. 

• Maintain detailed records of compliance efforts and communicate with granting agencies to address any issues or inquiries promptly. 

Other Responsibilities: 

• Carry out all duties and fulfill the requirements as explicitly outlined in their employment contract. 

• Build and maintain relationships with other legal aid organizations. 

• Actively participate in required staff meetings and trainings. 

• Assist in drafting course scripts in the writers’ room. 

• Protect the organization and clients by keeping information confidential. 

• Stay updated on legal aid issues by maintaining networks, participating in professional organizations, and attending meetings and trainings with partner organizations. 

• Work closely with the Executive Director and all other staff to carry out the program’s mission. 

• Assist in ongoing efforts to identify funding opportunities and in drafting grant proposals. 

• Modify existing programs and develop new ones where needed. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant area (i.e. political science, legal studies, AFAM…) 

• Bi-lingual in Spanish/English preferred 

• Ability to work well with people of diverse backgrounds who are in crisis 

• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations 

• Familiarity with principles of trauma-informed care and willingness to complete additional training 

• Sensitive listener with ability to explain complex concepts in lay-man’s terms 

• Strong self-motivation and ability to manage multiple tasks 

• Basic computer and office skills, including proficiency with the Microsoft Word and Excel 

• Ability to work in fast-paced legal environment 

• Excellent communication and time management skills 

Full Benefits PTO 

Position type 

Full-time 

Equal Opportunity 

Just Us Bridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prioritize equity and inclusion in our organizational culture and hiring, and we value candidates with lived experience in the communities we serve. We welcome all applicants regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, service in the military, or other identity factors.