Advocate, Special Education Project

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

Location

Baltimore

Category

Paralegal

Posted

February 24, 2025

Type

Full-Time

Description/Duties

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS), founded in 1981, is the oldest and largest
volunteer legal services organization in Maryland. Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
(MVLS) removes barriers to justice through free civil legal help, community engagement, and
advocacy for equitable laws. Our vision is for a fair legal system that is free of injustice and
equitably serves underrepresented Marylanders. We achieve this goal primarily through our core
pro bono program and more targeted programs that serve specialized legal needs. For more
program information, visit our website: www.mvlslaw.org.

MVLS’ core values are teamwork, passion for MVLS’ mission, commitment to clients,
volunteers, and community partners, initiative and commitment to eliminate systemic barriers to
justice based on race and economic disparities. MVLS is committed to fostering an inclusive
culture in the workplace. Our work to end barriers to justice starts with increasing the racial
diversity of our staff to better reflect the communities we serve.

The Special Education Project is designed to match children with disabilities and their families
with advocates, consultants, or attorneys to assist them with establishing and maintaining
individualized educational program (IEP) to support their educational success. Funding for this
position is contingent on an annual appropriation from the Governor.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide intake services, primarily through phone intake, to potential MVLS clients
  • Review applications received through telephone and online intake
  • Screen applicants for income eligibility and other requirements
  • Once matched, ensure smooth transition for program panel members and client
  • Use LegalServer database to manage documents and paperwork associated with cases,
  • g., client applications, court documents, important correspondence,
  • Develop proficiency using LegalServer database, especially with respect to client and
  • panel member-related data entry and document management.
  • Troubleshoot client or panel member disputes and report to the Pro Bono Director and
  • Deputy Director for resolution
  • Review all invoices for the Special Education Fund
  • Participate in program outreach activities and MVLS’ special events that may include
  • occasional weekend and evening work
  • Other administrative duties as assigned

Skills/Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Client-centered customer service skills are essential to success in this position.
  • Excellent computer, data entry, and organization skills
  • Must be detail-oriented
  • Must possess ability to deal with difficult callers in crisis
  • Works well with others; a team player
  • Strong written and oral communication skills essential
  • Spanish language skills a plus.

EDUCATION

  • At least 2 years of administrative, customer service, or legal experience is preferred
  • Computer and data entry experience required
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite of programs, i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel.
  • Demonstrated commitment through work experience, lived experience or volunteer experience to communities, such as: o Children, Domestic workers, Economically disadvantaged people, Immigrants and refugees, Incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people, LGBTQ people, People of color, People with disabilities, People with HIV/AIDS, Sex workers, Victims of crime and abuse, and Women and girls.

 

Compensation

Salary is $45,000 – $53,000 commensurate on experience with excellent benefits including: 2 health insurance plans to choose from (MVLS fully covers the monthly premium for individual coverage), dental and vision insurance, a flexible spending plan to reimburse employees with pre-tax dollars for out of pocket medical expenses and eligible child care costs, group life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short and long term disability coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan with a 3% contribution from MVLS, a monthly commuter stipend equal to the value of an MTA bus pass, 20 vacation days, 2 personal days,10 sick days and 16 paid holidays per year.

How To Apply

How to Apply –

  • Please email cover letter, resume, and three professional references to mvls@mvlslaw.org with the subject line “Special Education Project Advocate” Applicants are encouraged to address the core values stated at the top of this job posting in their cover letters.
  • Submissions should be received within 4 weeks from when the application is posted.
  • Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
  • No telephone calls, please.

 

This application was posted on February 24, 2025.  MVLS generally begins scheduling interviews after the four week application window has ended. Initial interviews with the hiring committee are scheduled for 45 minutes.  For advancing candidates, a second 60 minute interview is held with the hiring committee and the Executive Director.  Interview questions are provided in advance.  Reference checks are made for final candidates.  The interview process generally takes about four weeks.  Applicants may request accommodations in the application and interview process by emailing their request to mvls@mvlslaw.org.

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