Legal Services Specialist
OPENING DATE: 05/06/22
CLOSING DATE: 05/20/22 11:59 PM Central Time
JOB TYPE: Full-time
LOCATION: Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota
DEPARTMENT: Adult Representation Services
THE POSITION
Adult Representation Services department is a seeking a Legal Services Specialist to be part of a legal team that provides representation to clients in a variety of civil cases such as proposed wards in Guardianship and Conservatorship cases, eviction and child protection matters. This person will work closely with the client and legal team in all areas of advocacy. The Adult Representation Services department provides high-quality, holistic representation to clients experiencing poverty in certain civil matters where appointment of counsel is necessary to protect a fundamental right or to further the county’s mission of reducing disparities and promoting the stability of residents.
Location and hours:
This position is located at the Health Services Building, 525 Portland Avenue South, Suite 1000, Minneapolis MN 55415. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with some flexibility.
About the position type:
This is a full-time, benefit-earning position.
This position is internally classified as a Legal Services Specialist.
Click here to view the job classification specification.
Effective September 1, 2021, all new job offers are conditional based on the candidate being fully vaccinated for COVID-19. “Fully vaccinated” means 14 days after receiving the second dose in a two-dose vaccination series approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a full or emergency-use basis, or 14 days after receiving a single-dose vaccine approved by the FDA on a full or emergency-use basis. After a conditional job offer is made, the candidate must show proof of full vaccination prior to their start date. A COVID-19 vaccination card from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a vaccination record from your doctor’s office, or a personal digital vaccination record constitutes sufficient “proof.” The candidate must also attest they are vaccinated by completing a form on the first day of employment. Reasonable accommodations to this vaccination requirement will be considered upon request by a candidate for medical or religious reasons as required by applicable law.
In this position, you will:
- Conduct assessment of client needs and develop appropriate service plans with clients.
- Provide short term counseling, crisis intervention and ongoing support to clients.
- Review case file and consult with legal team regarding trial strategy.
- Consult with social workers and service providers regarding dispositional and service recommendations.
- Refer clients to appropriate community providers and resources to assist in meeting goals.
- Act as client advocate in decision-making conferences and progress review meetings.
Need to have:
One of the following:
- Bachelor's degree or higher which includes or is supplemented by 40 or more approved upper division quarter college credits in the behavioral/social sciences (e.g., psychology, criminal justice, sociology, etc.) and one year or more of experience performing duties related to the position.
- Forty or more approved upper division quarter college credits in the behavioral/social sciences (e.g., psychology, criminal justice, sociology, etc.) and two years or more of experience performing duties related to the position.
Nice to have:
- Experience directly working with individuals who are experiencing poverty.
- Experience directly dealing with diverse communities.
- Familiarity with databases and/or online tools.
- Working effectively with external and internal partners.
- Communicate effectively both written and verbally.
- Communicate fluently in a second language in addition to English, both verbally and in writing.
About the department:
The Adult Representative Services department reports directly to the Public Safety Administration & Integration as part of the County Administration Department. The department make-up of employees will include a director, a principal attorney, senior attorneys, attorneys, paralegals, legal services specialists, as well as office and administrative support staff.
About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align to one or more of our overarching goals -- that Hennepin County residents are healthy, protected and safe, self-reliant, assured due process, and mobile.
Our employees receive a combination of generous benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at www.hennepin.us/employees.
Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the reduction of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.
Your future. Made here.
This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.
Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience.
Final candidates may be required to complete a background check.