Workers' Rights Program Legal Assistant

TITLE Workers’ Rights Program Legal Assistant FLSA STATUS Hourly (Non-Exempt) LOCATION Bakersfield, CA HIRING RANGE $20.00 to $24.00, depending on experience. SUMMARY The legal assistant will support the Supervising Attorney in protecting employee rights, providing representation in labor rights matters, delivering services and outreach at community events, and working closely with other UFW Foundation programs to foster an organizing culture that influences systemic change. Responsibilities include client intake, collection and organization of evidentiary documents, drafting correspondence, filing documents with state agencies, and handling special projects related to events and activities. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Conduct initial intakes with potential clients. Follow up after intakes to evaluate eligibility, including legal research and obtaining additional client information. Provide administrative and legal support to attorneys and management staff. Maintain accurate client database and case files, both physical and electronic. Use computer hardware and software to produce documents. Read, route, and attach appropriate files to incoming legal mail. Compose routine and complex correspondence, including merge documents and graphics. Make copies of correspondence or other printed materials. Prepare outgoing mail and correspondence, including e‑mail and faxes. Assist with coordination of special events. Translate documents between Spanish and English (and vice‑versa). Provide information to potential clients. File complaints and follow up on service of process. OTHER DUTIES AS NEEDED Answer and screen telephone calls and arrange conference calls. Schedule appointments for attorneys with potential clients and manage calendars for workshops. Assist other office staff with administrative needs. Arrange and coordinate travel schedules and reservations for attorneys. Organize and maintain file system, file correspondence, and other records. Greet visitors and clients and assist them with questions and appointment needs. Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas, reserve facilities, and record and transcribe minutes. Coordinate office volunteers. Other duties as assigned. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES May involve coordinating and supervising office volunteers. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Working knowledge of employment law. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion. Ability to develop, implement, and track day‑to‑day activities. Experience working in immigrant, communities of color, low‑income, and working‑class communities. Bilingual (English and Spanish or another language as needed). Time‑management and multi‑tasking skills. Self‑motivated and able to work independently or with a team. Collaboration . Work professionally and solutions‑oriented with teammates. Dedication to Mission . Genuine interest in immigrant and farm worker rights. Excellent oral and written communication skills . Effective communication with a range of individuals. Excellent problem‑solving skills . Experience managing and executing multiple communication media. Flexibility, Speed, and Precision . Adjust quickly to changing priorities with speed, precision, and accuracy. Si Se Puede® (It Can Be Done) Attitude. Confidence, courage, and risk‑taking spirit. LANGUAGE, MATHEMATICAL, AND REASONING SKILLS Language Skills: Read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations; write legal briefs, reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; present information and answer questions from managers, clients, customers, and the public. Mathematical Skills: Calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume; apply basic algebra and geometry. Reasoning Ability: Solve practical problems with limited standardization; interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS None. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Associate degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a two‑year college or technical school, plus two years or more of related experience/training, or an equivalent combination. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Valid California Class C driver’s license, access to a vehicle, insurance, and willingness to travel off‑site. Typing speed of at least 50 net words per minute. COMPENSATION Hourly pay: $17.90 to $25.00. Benefits include: Accruals of 2, 3, and 4 vacation weeks per year based on tenure. 16 paid holidays (including a personal day). 1 mental health day per calendar year. Paid sick days. Health, dental, and vision benefits. Life insurance. Flexible Spending Accounts. Employee Assistance Program. 403(b) retirement plan with 2% employer match (if criteria met). 401(k) retirement plan with no employer match (if criteria met). Employer‑sponsored pension plan. Supplemental insurance within 30 days of hire. Professional development opportunities. 20% discount for immigration services through the UFW Foundation. Additional discounts via ADP Lifemart, TicketsatWork, and UnionPlus. *Some benefits are not available to temporary employees. Eligibility may vary based on status and other factors. COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT Vaccinations and boosters are not currently mandatory but strongly recommended. If a pandemic situation arises requiring vaccines, the requirement will be reinstated. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Employee must regularly sit; use hands and fingers; reach with arms; talk or hear. Occasionally stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds. WORK ENVIRONMENT Environment is typically moderate noise level. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER UFW Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, and are not influenced by race, color, religion, sex/gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, age, or any other protected characteristic. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. We make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Persons of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, persons with disabilities, those who have lived in poverty, formerly incarcerated persons, persons 40years or older, and multilingual individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr