Senior Self-Help Center Specialist, Tenth Judicial District

Senior Self-Help Center Specialist

The Tenth Judicial District, which includes eight counties in the Northern Suburbs of the Twin Cities Metro Area, is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Senior Self-Help Center Specialist to join the Litigant Services team. The team staffs the Tenth District's Self-Help Center (SHC), provides services to the Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) program, performs legal research for court administration and provides case type overview training to court administration staff. This position meets with various self-represented litigants (SRLs) district wide in person, by telephone, LiveChat, Zoom, email or mail to provide assistance with individual court actions and legal issues that can be addressed in District Court, pursuant to Minn. Gen. R. Prac., Rule 110 and without providing legal advice. The Litigant Services team also is responsible for maintenance of forms specific to the Tenth Judicial District.

Examples Of Job Duties:

Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.

• Meet with and assist SRLs in person, by telephone, mail, or electronically by gathering information, determining issues, providing forms where available, providing information on how to complete forms, reviewing forms for completeness, accuracy, adequacy and compliance, providing information on legal concepts and procedures, providing SRLs with information on legal aid organizations and/or how to search for private practice attorneys.

• Read, understand and regularly review and research applicable statutes, court procedures, court rules, appellate level cases and other resources to provide a solid foundation of knowledge in order to provide the most effective assistance possible.

• Perform legal research analysis, and writing duties on assignments that involve procedural and substantive matters, issues, or research and analysis. After complete and thorough research, written memorandums are prepared outlining issues, research and analysis, and suggesting an appropriate course of action.

• Gather SHC and ENE statistics to update reports to be used for the District Litigant Services Committee.

• Explore and present SHC outreach opportunities to District Administrator, staff and Litigant Services Committees. Work collaboratively with 10th District court administrators and staff, external justice partners such as low income legal service providers, law libraries, bar associations, as well as community and government organizations to educate them on SHC services.

• Provide staff services to judicial committees as assigned. This may include preparing and distributing notices and agendas, conducting research and analyzing documents, preparing meeting summaries, following up on issues and decisions of committees, and providing updates to District Bench.

• Develop and implement training and advanced ENE training sessions or opportunities if recommended by the Litigant Services Committee for judges and District ENE providers.

• Provide legal knowledge and review for specific District websites, forms, and outreach/educational materials. This may include the development of new forms.

• Serve as point person for troubleshooting, handling complaints and conflicts, and problem solving with ENE providers and other district justice partners.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in social services, law, criminal justice, court administration, or a related field.

Licensing:

• Valid driver's license.

Experience:

• Two to three years of experience in a court or legal setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of substantive and procedural law.

• Knowledge of state statutes, rules of court, related case law and opinions, state policies and procedures, and alternative dispute resolution methods as well as sources of legal reference.

• Experience drafting and reviewing legal documents.

• Ability to analyze, appraise, organize, and present facts, law, and precedents as needed to prepare clear and concise memorandums, documents, or reports; and to present material clearly, both orally and in writing.

• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills.

• Ability to apply legal guidelines and specialized knowledge to individual cases and issues.

• Ability to research legal issues using printed and computerized sources and to operate competently and navigate a computer using Minnesota Case Information System (MNCIS), Microsoft products, Adobe, fillable forms, web based searches and legal search software.

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters and records appropriately and in compliance with all applicable court rules, policies and statutes.

• Knowledge of local legal and community resources.

• Ability to deal sensitively with people in crisis and work with people from diverse backgrounds, personality types, and educational levels.

• Ability to work in a large Judicial District encompassing both urban and rural counties with varying levels of existing resources and support.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:

• Juris Doctorate.

Licensing:

• Current Minnesota Attorney License.

Experience:

• Extensive experience working in a Self-Help Center or directly with self-represented litigants.

• Experience working directly with ENE litigants, providers and/or programs.

• Experience creating forms, instructions, and educational materials on legal topics for non-lawyers.

• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds.

Working Conditions

Work is provided remotely and in an office setting or at a public counter. Work involves contact with persons who may be confused, irritable, and anxious.

Physical Demands

Maintain a stationary position for extended periods of time with occasional moving to various locations, transporting items up to 25 pounds, such as papers and court files.

Travel is required to all Tenth Judicial District Counties. Additional travel may be required for meetings, trainings, and appointments at the Tenth Judicial District offices in Ramsey, Minnesota or throughout the state. A successful candidate must have access to a vehicle and possess a valid driver's license.

Supplemental Information:

This is a hybrid position. Work is conducted at courthouses in the Tenth District with some work from home. Position will office within one of the Tenth District Courthouses, but services will be provided to all eight Tenth District counties, including Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Pine, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright. Primary location will be determined by district needs and county of residence. Travel is required in this position.

This position is classified as a Senior Self-Help Center Specialist. Core business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. Initial days off: Saturday, Sunday, and Court Designated Holidays.

All employment offers may be rescinded if the required criminal background check identifies job related convictions.