Self Help Law Facilitator

State of Montana • Kalispell, MT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Self-Help Law Program is a free service provided by the Montana Supreme Court to assist people with civil, non-criminal legal problems. The Self-Help Law Center Facilitator (“Facilitator”) has primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Self-Help Law Center (“Center”). The Kalispell Self-Help Center is a staffed workstation located Flathead County Courthouse where members of the public can go during designated hours to find legal information; download, print, and/or fill out legal forms; get referrals to and applications for appropriate legal services and/or pro bono programs; and get information about community agencies who may be able to assist with underlying non-legal issues. Responsibilities of the Self-Help Law Center Facilitator include staffing regular hours at the Center, assisting members of the public seeking information and referrals from the Center, and recruiting volunteers to assist in the staffing of the Center. The Facilitator is also responsible for providing remote assistance- via phone, webcam, and/or online “chat” features- to users of remote self-help workstations in other jurisdictions during designated hours. The work of the Self-Help Law Center Facilitator is performed under the supervision of the Supreme Court Self Help Law Program. The Facilitator is expected to exercise initiative and independent judgment in the coordination and administration of the Self-Help Law Center in accordance with established statutes, court rules, policies, procedures, and regulations. The Self-Help Law Center Facilitator does not supervise other staff but may supervise volunteers at the Center.

Requirements

• Knowledge of basic court procedures and common civil legal issues, including, but not limited to, family law.
• Knowledge of available sources of legal information and forms, including MontanaLawHelp.org and the State Law Library Website.
• Knowledge of the network of civil legal services available to persons with limited financial means in Montana, including Montana Legal Services Association and local pro bono programs.
• Work effectively with diverse people and groups.
• Listen and communicate effectively and patiently with persons in crisis.
• Knowledge in volunteer recruitment and management.
• Knowledge of basic computer functions, including Internet use and navigation.
• Ability to organize, implement, and maintain a variety of projects and functions simultaneously.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, clerks, court staff, attorneys, other agencies, and the public.
• Promote protection of sensitive customer information.
• Effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Work in a team environment and establish and maintain effective and positive relationships with others.
• Any combination of training and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, abilities and skills listed above.
• Two years’ experience in the legal field, preferably as a paralegal or legal secretary.
• Employment is dependent on successfully completing a background check.

Nice To Haves

• A college degree in paralegal studies or a similar field is preferred.
• Experience working with persons from diverse social economic, cultural, and ethnic groups with low to moderate income people is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the day-to-day operations the Self-Help Law Center, including coordinating the provision of all necessary equipment, materials, office supplies, as well as phone and internet connections.
• Assist in creating and distributing outreach and education materials regarding the Center, including but not limited to press releases and information for local service providers and lawyers.
• Assist during designated hours, Self-Help Law Center users in finding legal information, forms, and referrals.
• Assist during designated hours, remote users of self-help law workstations in other jurisdictions- via phone, webcam, and/or internet “chat” features- in finding legal information, forms, and referrals.
• Ability to recruit and train volunteers for the Self-Help Law Center, including, but not limited to, pro bono attorneys.
• Using intakes, surveys, and tracking forms created by the Supreme Court Self Help Law Program, keep organized records of numbers of people assisted by the Center, types of assistance provided, and evaluation surveys.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly policies
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees