Intake Specialist - Rural Justice Initiative

Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) is excited to announce that we are now recruiting for a RJI Intake Specialist as part of our new Rural Justice Initiative (RJI).

The Rural Justice Initiative Intake Specialist is a project-funded position established as part of Disability Rights Texas' (DRTx) participation in the Rural Justice Initiative (RJI), a collaborative effort designed to expand access to civil legal services for low-income Texans living in designated rural communities and legal-desert counties.

This is a special project, time-limited, five year position funded specifically for the Rural Justice Initiative. Continued employment in this position is contingent upon the continuation of the project, availability of project funding, and organizational need. The position is not intended to constitute a permanent position beyond the duration of the Rural Justice Initiative or its available funding.

The Intake Specialist serves as the initial point of contact for individuals seeking services or information from Disability Rights Texas (DRTx). This role is responsible for gathering and assessing information from applicants, determining eligibility and service priorities, and providing appropriate information, referrals, and short-term assistance. Working under the direction of the Deputy Director, the Intake Specialist conducts interviews, documents case information, and supports the delivery of timely, accurate, and client-centered services. This position requires sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including persons with disabilities.

Special Project / Funding Notice

This position is established specifically to support the Rural Justice Initiative and is funded through project-specific grant funds. It is a time-limited position associated with the duration and funding of the Rural Justice Initiative. Employment in this position does not create a guarantee or expectation of continued employment beyond the project period or the availability of project funding. DRTx may modify the position, geographic assignment, duties, or staffing structure as necessary to meet grant requirements, project priorities, funding availability, and organizational needs.

Essential Functions

1. Conduct intake interviews with applicants via telephone, virtual platforms, written correspondence, and/or in person.

1. Gather, assess, and document accurate and complete information to determine eligibility, case priority, funding source, and level of services.

1. Provide appropriate information, referrals, and short-term assistance consistent with organizational policies and program priorities.

1. Communicate clearly and effectively with applicants, clients, staff, and external stakeholders regarding services and processes.

1. Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation in case management systems and related records.

1. Provide follow-up, documentation, and coordination with supervising attorneys. May manage a short-term caseload.

1. Apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, and program requirements in assessing and responding to requests for services.

1. Handle sensitive or challenging interactions with professionalism, sound judgment, and composure.

1. Prioritize workload and manage multiple tasks to meet established deadlines and service expectations.

1. Collaborate with team members and other departments to ensure effective service delivery of RJI project goals.

1. May participate in community engagement, legal-access events, outreach and training activities.

1. Participate in ongoing training and professional development to maintain and enhance knowledge of disability rights and related issues.

Additional Duties

Perform other job-related duties as assigned that are consistent with the scope and level of the position and the purposes of the Rural Justice Initiative.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Disability Studies, Social Services, or a related field and two (2) years of relevant experience working with individuals with disabilities; or
• Four (4) years of equivalent related experience

Experience

• One-year experience in a field related to outreach work involving a variety of social service programs.
• Spanish bilingual proficiency (written and spoken), as required for this position.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of disability-related issues, or the ability to acquire such knowledge within a reasonable period of time.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals using a variety of communication methods, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to accurately gather, analyze, and document information in a timely manner.
• Ability to use data collection system, case management programs and word processing programs.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment to service excellence.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in basic computer applications, including word processing, email, and data entry systems.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse socioeconomic, geographic, cultural, linguistic, and disability backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Residence within, or sufficiently near, one of the following Texas counties (Hockley, Cochran, Yoakum, Terry, Atascosa, Frio, La Salle, Zavala, Houston, Trinity, San Jacinto and Liberty) to meet the project's local-presence and community-engagement requirements.
• Existing professional or community ties to the assigned RJI service area.
• Experience working in advocacy, legal services, or disability-related programs.
• Prior experience in an intake, call center, or client services environment.
• Familiarity with legal or advocacy services related to disability rights.
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL).

Work Environment & Functional Requirements

This position involves regular use of computers, telephones, videoconferencing systems, case-management systems, and other communication tools to perform legal work, including research, documentation, client communication, and collaboration with geographically dispersed colleagues.

Duties may be performed in a seated, standing, or alternative position. The role requires managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, traveling throughout the assigned service area, and engaging in complex or sensitive legal matters.

The position includes work performed in a variety of environments, which may include DRTx or partner offices, courthouses, administrative hearing locations, schools, libraries, community organizations, clinics, community events, and other locations within rural communities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.