What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education Project - Advocate position at Maryland Nonprofits?
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
Baltimore, Maryland
Special Education Project -
Advocate
(Full-time, non-exempt)
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, e.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
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. .
Job Location -
This is an in-office position, with the potential for a hybrid work schedule up to two days a week.
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.
Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. MVLS is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application.
MVLS is an equal opportunity employer. MVLS does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity, age, religion, disability status, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, or immigration status.
Baltimore, Maryland
Special Education Project -
Advocate
(Full-time, non-exempt)
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, e.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
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. .
Job Location -
This is an in-office position, with the potential for a hybrid work schedule up to two days a week.
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.
Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. MVLS is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application.
MVLS is an equal opportunity employer. MVLS does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity, age, religion, disability status, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, or immigration status.
Salary : $45,000 - $53,000
