The Self-Help Resource Center Coordinator is a staff position with the Fairfax Bar Association. The SHRC Coordinator will be responsible for providing information to the general public on the preparation of court filings, procedures and information, including but not limited to small claims, family law, and eviction matters. The SHRC Coordinator will provide legal information, not legal advice, and support to members of the general public through clerical and administrative tasks and online services at the SHRC.
Success as a Self-Help Services Coordinator requires a positive, energetic demeanor, desire to continuously grow and learn, a strong service-oriented approach, and the ability to balance the interests of the organization. The following are representative duties:
Responsibilities
- Provides legal information to self-represented litigants and ensures that Center visitors are provided with referrals to legal and nonlegal resources as necessary.
- Recommends, facilitates, and consults with the SHRC Committee on the implementation of process, policy, and procedural changes to maximize assistance to self-represented litigants.
- Stays abreast of technological solutions and other innovations that can enhance the provision of court services to self-represented litigants and leverages those solutions for the benefit of court users.
- Maintains effective working relationships with judicial officers, court staff, and justice partners engaged in the provision of services to self-represented litigants and alternative dispute resolution services.
- Works with the Clerks’ offices and other court departments to develop forms and educational materials designed to better serve self-represented litigants and improve the quality of filings received by the Clerk’s office.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and Paralegal, J.D. or significant legal training is highly desirable; Experience in working with low-income individuals, especially related to record sealing, landlord/tenant disputes, small claims, custody, visitation, child support, and consumer/debt collection.
- Knowledge of the law and legal research skills to provide reference services for patrons;
- Strong communication skills;
- Strong customer service ethic and ability to interact with diverse patrons and staff in a courteous and tactful manner;
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a time-sensitive work environment and team player attitude;
- Preference given to applicants with conversational Spanish proficiency and demonstrated interest in public service.
Local candidates only – no relo. EOE.
