Intake Specialist - Rural Justice Initiative

Disability Rights Texas•Beaumont, TX

About The Position

The Intake Specialist is a project-funded, time-limited position supporting Disability Rights Texas’ participation in the Rural Justice Initiative (RJI), a collaborative effort to expand access to civil legal services for low-income Texans in designated rural communities and legal-desert counties. The five-year position is funded specifically for the initiative. Continued employment depends on the continuation of the project, available funding, and organizational need; the position is not intended to be permanent beyond the initiative or its funding. Serving as the initial point of contact for people seeking services or information from Disability Rights Texas, the Intake Specialist gathers and assesses applicant information, determines eligibility and service priorities, and provides appropriate information, referrals, and short-term assistance. Under the direction of the Deputy Director, the specialist conducts interviews, documents case information, and supports timely, accurate, client-centered services. The role requires sound judgment, professionalism, and effective communication with people from diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities. The position involves use of computers, telephones, videoconferencing, case-management systems, and other communication tools for legal work, research, documentation, client communication, and collaboration with geographically dispersed colleagues. Work may take place at DRTx or partner offices, courthouses, administrative hearing locations, schools, libraries, community organizations, clinics, community events, and other rural-community locations. Duties may be performed seated, standing, or in an alternative position. The role requires managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, traveling throughout the assigned service area, and engaging in complex or sensitive legal matters. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Disability Studies, Social Services, or a related field and two years of relevant experience working with individuals with disabilities; or four years of equivalent related experience.
One year of experience in a field related to outreach work involving a variety of social service programs.
Spanish bilingual proficiency, written and spoken, as required for this position.
Knowledge of disability-related issues, or the ability to acquire such knowledge within a reasonable period.
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals using a variety of communication methods, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to accurately gather, analyze, and document information in a timely manner.
Ability to use data-collection systems, case-management programs, and word-processing programs.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.
Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment to service excellence.
Proficiency in basic computer applications, including word processing, email, and data-entry systems.
Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse socioeconomic, geographic, cultural, linguistic, and disability backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Residence within, or sufficiently near, Hockley, Cochran, Yoakum, Terry, Atascosa, Frio, La Salle, Zavala, Houston, Trinity, San Jacinto, or Liberty County to meet project local-presence and community-engagement requirements.
Existing professional or community ties to the assigned RJI service area.
Experience working in advocacy, legal services, or disability-related programs.
Prior experience in an intake, call center, or client-services environment.
Familiarity with legal or advocacy services related to disability rights.
Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL).

Responsibilities

Conduct intake interviews with applicants by telephone, virtual platforms, written correspondence, and/or in person.
Gather, assess, and document accurate and complete information to determine eligibility, case priority, funding source, and level of services.
Provide appropriate information, referrals, and short-term assistance consistent with organizational policies and program priorities.
Communicate clearly and effectively with applicants, clients, staff, and external stakeholders about services and processes.
Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation in case-management systems and related records.
Provide follow-up, documentation, and coordination with supervising attorneys; may manage a short-term caseload.
Apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, and program requirements when assessing and responding to service requests.
Handle sensitive or challenging interactions with professionalism, sound judgment, and composure.
Prioritize workload and manage multiple tasks to meet established deadlines and service expectations.
Collaborate with team members and other departments to support effective delivery of RJI project goals.
May participate in community engagement, legal-access events, outreach, and training activities.
Participate in ongoing training and professional development to maintain and enhance knowledge of disability rights and related issues.
Perform other job-related duties consistent with the scope and level of the position and the purposes of the Rural Justice Initiative.