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 program and matching them 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.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide intake services, primarily through phone intake, to potential MVLS clients
• Review applications received through telephone and online intake
• Screen applicants for income eligibility, case type, and Maryland County of legal dispute
• Contact volunteers to place eligible client cases
• Use LegalServer database to manage documents and paperwork associated with cases, e.g., client applications, court documents, financial eligibility documents, important correspondence, and invoices or requests for reimbursement.
• Develop proficiency using LegalServer database, especially with respect to client and volunteer-related data entry and document management.
• Troubleshoot client or volunteer disputes and report to the Pro Bono Director and Deputy Director for resolution
• Participate in pro bono program outreach activities and MVLS’ special events that may include occasional weekend and evening work
• Other administrative duties as assigned

Skills:

• Client-centered customer service skills are essential to success in this position.
• Excellent computer, data entry, and organization skills
• Must be detail-oriented
• Must possess ability to deal with difficult callers in crisis
• Works well with others; a team player
• Strong written and oral communication skills essential
• Spanish language skills a plus

Experience & Education:

• 2 years of administrative, customer service, or legal experience
• 2 years of college or 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 to underserved communities

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range is $42,000 – $50,000 per year commensurate on experience with excellent benefits including: 2 health insurance plans to choose from (MVLS fully covers the monthly premium for individual coverage), dental and vision insurance, a flexible spending plan to reimburse employees with pre-tax dollars for out of pocket medical expenses and eligible child care costs, group life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short and long term disability coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan with a 3% contribution from MVLS, a monthly commuter stipend equal to the value of an MTA pass, 20 vacation days, 2 personal days,10 sick days and 14 paid holidays per year.

Job Location

This is an in-office position, with a potential for a hybrid work schedule up to two days a week.

Hiring & Interview Process

Submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references from employers or school via email with “Intake Legal Advocate” in the subject line to mvls@mvlslaw.org by 4 weeks from when application is posted. Applicants are encouraged to address the core values stated at the top of this job posting in their cover letters.

Please, no telephone calls.

This application was posted on May 14, 2024. MVLS generally begins scheduling interviews after the four-week application window has ended. Initial interviews with the hiring committee are scheduled for 45 minutes. For advancing candidates, a second 60-minute interview is held with the hiring committee and the Executive Director. Interview questions are provided in advance. Reference checks are made for final candidates. The interview process generally takes about four weeks.

A COVID vaccination is required.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. MVLS is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application.

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Baltimore, MD 21201