Overview

Neighborhood Defender Service of Texas (NDS) has a legal services office providing free, community-based, client-centered, holistic housing defense representation to low-income residents of Harris County. NDS clients are represented by multidisciplinary teams including attorneys, advocates, and team administrators. NDS adheres to a client-centered approach to representation that emphasizes a heightened responsiveness to clients’ needs. The Harris County Eviction Defense Team plays an integral role in NDS’s fulfillment of its holistic mission and in realizing the right to counsel in housing proceedings. The practice is part of the monumental movement toward a civil Gideon, providing assigned counsel representation to low- and no-income tenants facing a wide range of eviction proceedings in order to safeguard the right to secure, stable housing and combat the destabilization and disintegration of Harris County’s diverse communities. The Client Intake Coordinator is responsible for providing client-centered information to the clients of the Housing Defense Practice.

Responsibilities

1. Embrace NDS’ philosophy of client-centered, community-based, holistic representation and commitment to excellence.2. Provide vigorous support with energy and enthusiasm to clients.3. Conduct initial assessments to determine client needs and eligibility for services. 4. Work with Client Advocate and Team Administrator to ensure seamless intake process.5. Assist clients in completing necessary paperwork and documentation.6. Collect and maintain client data in an organized and confidential manner.7. Meet with Clients in-person and via phone to provide referrals/resources.8. Answer phone and email inquiries in a timely manner.9. Maintain the integrity of NDS’ computer databases, which includes providing training and support to team members.10. Collaborate with team members to identify areas for process improvement and implement changes as needed. 11. Identify the needs of clients and work closely with the client advocate and attorneys to address those needs.12. Provide ongoing support to clients, addressing any questions or concerns they have.13. Assist with facilitating attorney visits and communication with clients.14. When needed, provide Spanish/English interpretation for non-Spanish speaking staff members.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring:

1. A demonstrated commitment to civil justice, indigent defense, racial equity, social justice issues, and a substantive understanding of the biases impacting our clients.2. Determination and resilience combined with people and situation smarts.3. An ability to quickly build relationships with people of varying identities, income levels, races, and ethnicities.4. An ability to work cooperatively in a team setting.5. A high level of organizational and administrative skills to handle a high caseload and multi-task in a very fast-paced environment.6. Clear and effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.7. Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access), and a basic knowledge of computer usage in a network environment.8. Associate or bachelor-level degree preferred.9. Spanish language fluency is required.

Compensation:

Compensation is commensurate with experience and is in adherence to the NDS compensation scale. Exceptional benefits package includes full medical and dental for employee and family, retirement, life and AD&D insurance, paid vacation, holiday, and sick time.

The salary, benefits, and employment policies relevant to this position are governed by the CBA between NDS and the NDS Union, part of ALAA UAW 2325.

How to Apply:Interviews are held on a rolling basis, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested applicants should apply through the career portal at www.neighborhooddefender.org/jobs/list with a cover letter and resume.

For more information about NDS, please visit our website at www.neighborhooddefender.org.

The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment that reflects the communities we serve. NDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. NDS encourages people with incarcerated loved ones, formerly incarcerated people, people of color, women, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people to apply. At NDS we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

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