Intake Specialist

MID-MINNESOTA LEGAL ASSISTANCE; Saint Cloud (MN); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Family medical and dental insurance

403(b) with employer match

FSA

Generous paid time off

Hybrid work schedule

Friday afternoons off

Job summary

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid in St. Cloud, MN seeks an Intake Specialist to act as the first contact for potential clients in a fast-paced environment.

You will conduct trauma-informed conversations to screen eligibility and document case details in LegalServer, ensuring a respectful, client-centered approach. The role collaborates with multiple programs and external partners to coordinate referrals and services.

Qualifications

• Experience serving diverse client communities.
• Trauma-informed, client-centered communication.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to multitask and stay organized.
• Experience with high-volume intake preferred.
• Bilingual Somali or Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct trauma-informed intakes and eligibility screenings.
• Document case details in LegalServer.
• Handle high-volume intake across channels.
• Answer main intake line and direct callers.
• Collaborate with programs and external partners.
• Maintain office files in electronic system.
• Greet visitors and provide front desk support.
• Identify workflow improvements to increase efficiency.
• Apply Racial Justice Values in interactions.

Skills

Trauma-informed

Client-centered service

Multitasking under pressure

Strong communication

MS Office

Bilingual Somali/Spanish

Job description

Job Details Job Location: St. Cloud - St. Cloud, MN 56302 Salary Range: $52,661.00 - $60,160.00 Salary INTAKE SPECIALIST – FULL TIME Position Type: Full Time, Non-Exempt Location: St. Cloud, MN (hybrid: remote + in-office)

About Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA) provides high-quality legal services to people with low income and others facing barriers to justice. We are committed to advancing racial justice, serving clients with dignity, and creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where staff can do meaningful work.

Why Work Here?

MMLA offers a hybrid schedule that balances remote work with in-office collaboration. Employees work four full days per week and enjoy Friday afternoons off through our half-day Friday benefit. We also provide on-the-job training, mentorship, and opportunities for growth within the organization.

Position Summary

The Intake Specialist serves as a compassionate, trauma-informed first point of contact for individuals seeking legal assistance in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. In this role, you will conduct guided, trauma-informed conversations with potential clients to screen for eligibility, gather relevant information, and document case details in a respectful, client-centered way that prioritizes the client’s safety, dignity, and well-being.

This role is not limited to direct intake calls. The Intake Specialist collaborates closely with other programs, legal units, and external partner organizations to ensure smooth coordination of care and services. You will work across teams to support shared intake goals, share information appropriately, and help connect clients to the right resources.

The Intake Specialist reports to the Intake Manager, who oversees intake operations across multiple Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid office locations throughout Minnesota.

Schedule

The regular work schedule is Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct trauma-informed, client-centered intakes, including eligibility screening and guided interviews to collect facts, write case summaries, and enter information into the LegalServer case management system
• Manage a high volume of intake interactions across multiple channels simultaneously, including:
  • Client and community partner callbacks
  • Transfers and requests from our coordinated online intake collaboration system
  • Email inquiries related to intakes and referrals
  • Requests from internal legal teams
• Answer the main intake phone line and direct callers to the appropriate staff member or resource
• Serve as a liaison to an assigned legal unit, participating in team meetings and supporting coordinated intake processes
• Collaborate with internal teams and external organizations, including community partners, social service agencies, and other legal aid providers, to share information, coordinate referrals, and support clients across systems
• Maintain and update office files and records in the electronic case management system
• Greet visitors, assist clients at the reception desk as needed, and provide occasional front desk coverage
• Identify opportunities to improve intake workflows, communication practices, and internal processes to increase efficiency and consistency in client service
• Apply MMLA’s Racial Justice Values Statement in all client and staff interactions
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Experience working with and a strong interest in serving diverse client communities, including people from marginalized backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness
• Demonstrated commitment to trauma-informed, client-centered communication and guided conversations that prioritize client safety and dignity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Teams, and Word
• Ability to multitask, stay organized, and work effectively under pressure while maintaining a respectful and patient demeanor
• Experience managing a high-volume workload while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail preferred
• Ability to assess information, identify relevant issues, and summarize facts clearly and concisely
• Experience working with confidential or sensitive information preferred
• Ability to type and document information simultaneously while actively listening and engaging with clients
• Self-motivated professional who can work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Knowledge of community resources preferred
• Experience in legal services preferred
• Professional fluency in Somali or Spanish strongly preferred
• Must have a valid Minnesota address and reside in Minnesota to be eligible for this position

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $52,661 to $60,160 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits include family medical and dental insurance, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, a 403(b) with employer match, an FSA, employee assistance programs, and generous paid time off. Employees are eligible for benefits on the first day of employment.

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. This position is subject to collective bargaining agreements.