Bilingual Legal Interviewer (Chinese)

The Bar Association of San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) is seeking a full-time Bilingual Legal Interviewer to conduct client interviews by telephone, identify legal issues, and refer callers to qualified attorneys. The role includes screening for eligibility for low-fee or pro bono services and coordinating appointments with attorneys.

Ideal candidates will be fluent in English and Cantonese or Mandarin, possess a related Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience, and have a track record of working with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Fluent English with Cantonese/Mandarin in telephone and written communication
• Experience working with diverse communities preferred

Responsibilities

• Conduct telephone interviews with clients in need of legal assistance
• Identify and classify legal issues and refer callers to attorneys appropriately screened and qualified
• Screen clients for eligibility for low-fee or pro bono programs
• Coordinate appointments with attorneys and summarize clients’ legal issues via intake forms

Skills

Multitasking

Prioritization

Attention to detail

Self-directed

Team player

Patience

Judgment

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Be part of an organization dedicated to enhancing the practice of law and improving our community through programs that provide equal access to legal services. The Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) has a strong commitment to employee work-life balance and provides a stimulating work environment. BASF currently has an exciting opportunity for a full-time (35 hrs/week), Bilingual Legal Interviewer to be part of the team!

About BASF:

BASF is a nonprofit organization and the oldest voluntary bar association in California. Today, over 7,400 San Francisco lawyers are members of BASF, which prides itself as being one of the most active and innovative local bar associations. Our offices are located in the Financial District. In addition to services and benefits to our members, BASF provides a variety of legal services to San Francisco residents including our Lawyer Referral and Information Service, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and the Justice & Diversity Center (including the Homeless Advocacy Project) which is the largest provider of legal services to San Franciscans.

BASF also offers a variety of charitable programs, including Food from the Bar, Head Start Holiday Gift Program, Law Academy, School-To-College, Destination Law School and the Minority Law Student Scholarship programs.

The Legal Interviewer conducts interviews of clients in need of legal assistance by telephone, identifies and classifies legal issues, and refers callers with legal matters to attorneys appropriately screened and qualified to assist. They also respond to and interview clients who have submitted requests for legal assistance online. In addition, the Legal Interviewer screens clients for eligibility for “low fee” or pro bono legal assistance programs, coordinates appointments with attorneys, and summarizes clients’ legal issues via computerized intake forms. They also make referrals to appropriate social service or governmental agencies, when appropriate.

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and expertise sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position
• Ability to communicate fluently on the telephone and in writing in a clear and courteous manner in English/Cantonese/Mandarin
• Experience working with diverse communities preferred

Skills and Preferred Qualifications and/or Requirements:

• Ability to multi-task in a high volume, fast-paced environment and independently prioritize with attention to detail
• Ability to be self-directed and to work as part of a team in a professional and collegial manner
• Ability to demonstrate patience and empathy with clients and their needs
• Ability to exercise good judgment in determining calls that can be referred for LRIS services
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office

Why Work For Us

We offer a collaborative work environment, a progressive work culture, and a wonderfully diverse staff. Additionally, we have a standard 35-hour workweek, flexible scheduling (manager’s discretion), and we are a mission and values based organization.

We also offer competitive pay and a generous benefits package that includes: a choice of medical insurance plans, dental insurance, vision insurance, pretax commuter, health, and dependent care accounts, employer paid long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and a retirement and profit-sharing benefit, and more!

To find out more about BASF, please visit www.sfbar.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer

BASF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We conduct all employment-related activities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other classification protected by applicable Local, State or Federal employment discrimination laws.