Description

Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO)’s mission is to provide civil legal aid and advocacy to overcome unfairness and injustice, reduce poverty, and increase opportunity. LASCO is the new name for two long-standing legal aid programs, The Legal Aid Society of Columbus and Southeastern Ohio Legal Services, which merged in January 2024. The programs have been affiliated for more than a decade, and this legal merger is just the culmination of many years of collaboration and growing efficiencies between our two direct service programs.

LASCO is actively seeking a professional, reliable and engaging Intake Specialist to join our team. Initially, this position will primarily support the intake process for our Central Ohio office and secondarily support the organization’s administrative needs.

In this multifaceted role, you will serve as the first point of contact for Fair Housing clients to process their request for services and screen for eligibility; prepare and send client letters; as well as provide other high-quality administrative and clerical support. 

Are You Someone Who:

• Has interest in and sensitivity to promoting equal housing opportunity to low-income individuals? 
• Is motivated, professional and customer service focused? 
• Works well within a collaborative, team-driven, and goal-based environment? 
• Can communicate verbally with a wide range of people? 
• Will respond effectively to the changing needs of a growing organization? 
• Creates processes to increase work efficiencies and systems to work smarter not harder? 
• Is open to participating in community events? 
• Works well within a collaborative, team-driven, and goal-based environment? 

You Will:

• Directly support the Fair Housing client intake process through answering phones calls, accurately recording necessary information and entering data into the case management system 
• Review online applications for services, call potential clients and follow the scripts then either refer the client to the Fair Housing Team or provide the caller with self-help materials 
• Enter data in the case management system and contribute to required reporting for compliance purposes 
• Meet with walk-in applicants, facilitating and processing their applications 
• Respond to applicant and client requests for help via phone and Google text among other means 
• Periodically support the reception desk through answering phone calls, greeting guests, and maintaining a welcoming office environment 
• Provide support services for the Fair Housing Team including sending packets when requested and returning calls to former clients among others 
• Support other areas of client intake across the organization as needed.
• Collaborate with all staff to help achieve goals 
• Be responsible for general office work including incoming/outgoing mail, making copies, sending client information and other similar tasks 

Requirements

You Have:

• A positive attitude, go-getter mindset and drive to do things well 
• Ability to anticipate needs and navigate problems with a creative, practical approach toward reaching successful resolution 
• Ability to prioritize workload to manage time, tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment 
• Proficient skills across the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint) 
• Reliable transportation for offsite event attendance 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, verbally and in writing, effectively with diverse audiences 
• Ability to increase efficiencies in individual work and team processes 
• Strong work ethic with an eye for detail 
• Professional experience in customer service preferred 
• High ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion 
• English language proficiency is essential and Spanish/English bilingual skills are a plus. Additional languages – even better 
• High school diploma or equivalent required 
• Prior Legal Aid or related work experience a plus, but not required 

Other Details:

LASCO’s clientele is diverse, and all of our clients are low income. To ensure that our program is best serving our communities, LASCO strives to promote an evolving set of behaviors and attitudes amongst our staff, as well as policies that enable us to work effectively in all cross-cultural situations, with clients, with our coworkers, and with the community. We see this as a commitment to enhance the provision of our services to all clients; to raise the level of positive client outcomes; and to create an inclusive and respectful workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued. 

It is the policy of LASCO not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability, age, ancestry, and military status or any other characteristic protected by law. 

This full-time position is based in Columbus, Ohio and reports to the Supervising Attorney. Some travel to offsite locations may be required at times. 

Hourly rates start at $18.46 per hour DOE and LASCO offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package, paid time off, and ongoing training and development opportunities. 

To Apply:

Submit resume and letter of interest.

To promote social justice and best serve our clients, LASCO is committed to maintaining a diverse staff and providing culturally competent services. We strongly encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities and historically oppressed groups including BIPOC, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals to apply. Bilingual/bicultural candidates are also strongly encouraged to apply.