Job Title:  Receptionist & Intake Screener

Classification & FLSA Status: Full-Time | Non-Exempt

Pay Range:  $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Department:   Legal Department

Reports to:   Legal Director

Location:CARECEN Los Angeles; In-Person position

Job Summary: The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) seeks to hire full-time, bilingual Legal Receptionist & Intake Screener (“Legal Receptionist”) to aid our Los Angeles office. This position serves as the public’s initial contact with CARECEN and as such, is pivotal to the formation of a positive first impression of the organization. The Legal Receptionist is responsible for pre-screening clients, booking appointments, answering telephone inquiries and making referrals for services not provided by CARECEN. The Legal Receptionist reports directly to the Legal Director.

Job Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Greet visitors and provide general information on CARECEN’s services
• Pre-screen potential clients by telephone and in person;
• Assist clients in completing intake forms and scheduling appointments when appropriate;
• Provide referrals for other social and legal service agencies as indicated by client needs;
• Providing cashier services which includes receiving documents and client fees in accordance with organizational policy;
• Contribute to the safety of the premises by ensuring that only authorized visitors or clients are allowed access to premises by confirming visitor appointments with staff members;
• Conduct ongoing data entry, compiling and maintaining Legal Department statistics on an as needed basis;
• Perform general clerical duties for the Legal Department on an as-needed basis;
• Other duties as assigned by the Legal Director

Required Skill/Qualifications

• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, customer service skills with proven ability to interact in an appropriate manner with diverse groups of individuals, including clients, corporate, foundation representatives, government officials, and the media on a consistent basis;
• Ability to exercise tact, diplomacy, discretion, and appropriate measures of friendliness when greeting/directing clients, receiving sensitive information, and providing information, referrals, or other assistance, required;
• Good working knowledge of local nonprofits and their respective service areas –OR- the ability to quickly learn & understand availability of nonprofit services, required;
• Flexibility/adaptability and the ability to work productively in a periodically stressful environment required; ability to receive and process large numbers of clients preferred;
• Ability to work independently when needed and with creativity in problem solving situations strongly preferred;
• Strong organization skills required;
• Knowledge of history of Central American immigrant community, preferred. 
• Spoken and written fluency in English and Spanish languages required;
• Basic Windows-based computer skills in word processing and court forms software strongly preferred.  Experience using multi-line telephone equipment preferred.
• High school degree or equivalency required; some college highly desirable. 
• Commitment to the mission and goals of CARECEN.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This position operates in a professional office environment. The position requires the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. Work is performed in a variety of work settings, including CARECEN’s offices. The position is part of the bargaining unit represented by the union.

Work Schedule:

Office hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. The work schedule for this position is a 35-hour workweek equaling 7-hour workdays. Office located at CARECEN’s Los Angeles office. This position is a full-time, in office job. Telecommute is not offered.  

Travel Requirement:

Ability to travel to CARECEN offices in Los Angeles. Mileage reimbursement is available when applicable.

Benefits

CARECEN offers a generous health insurance package that has medical, vision, dental, life insurance and Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Supplemental insurance and a 403(b) retirement savings plan are also available. Paid time off is also provided along with 11 paid holidays.

Application Deadline:

Applicants encouraged to apply immediately

To Apply:

Please email a cover letter, resume, and three references to Camila Alvarez at calvarez@carecen-la.org. Candidates are urged to be specific regarding level of Spanish proficiency.  Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Applicants must apply directly. CARECEN will not consider applications through legal recruiting/staffing agencies. No inquiries or phone calls from applicants or legal recruiters please.

CARECEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, political affiliation, condition of physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation, in accordance with requirements of Federal and State laws.