LEP (Limited English Proficiency) Coordinator / Bilingual Client Advocate

Orleans Public Defenders is seeking applicants for a fluent Spanish speaking LEP (Limited English Proficiency) Coordinator / Bilingual Client Advocate.

Vision

Dignity. Justice. Hope.

Mission

The mission of the Orleans Public Defenders is to fight for our clients by providing excellent client-centered representation, reforming the system and partnering with the community.

The Orleans Public Defenders Office provides holistic, community-based representation in Orleans Parish. We represent thousands of people each year using a client-centered defense model that puts the client first and takes a 360-degree approach to our advocacy and representation. We recognize our clients are unique individuals and work to address their needs both in the court and out. Our diverse staff includes adult and juvenile attorneys; social workers; client, youth and parent advocates; investigators, and administrators all working together for equal justice for our clients, their families, our community, and a better New Orleans. In short, we protect innocence, defend the constitution, demand justice, and hold power accountable.

OPD is committed to providing zealous client-centered, community-oriented defense. Each client’s needs are supported by a dedicated legal team: attorneys, investigators, client advocates, social workers and court support administrators.

Working in OPD’s Client Services Division, the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Coordinator / Bilingual Client Advocate will support holistic, client-centered advocacy from arrest to reentry. In the Bilingual Client Advocate role, the ideal candidate will work to identify and address the systemic issues contributing to court involvement by connecting clients to community and social services, treatment programs, education and job training, housing, and more. The Bilingual Client Advocate will develop lines of support that are accessible in the client’s target language, address vulnerable client needs, and work closely with the defense team to recommend alternatives to incarceration and mitigate the impact of collateral consequences. The Advocate will create mitigation defense, advocate for client safety and medical attention for incarcerated clients, and facilitate language access, re-entry planning, and eligibility for specialty courts.

In the role of LEP Coordinator, the candidate will cultivate language access approaches and trainings within the office to ensure each client understands all aspects of their case in their target language. The LEP Coordinator, along with Spanish-speaking staff members in every division, can also be expected to provide Spanish interpretation services for OPD staff members and their clients, including in phone calls, jail visits, and field interviews. The ideal candidate will assist clients and their families navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system at various stages of their criminal cases. The staff member will also play a role in the hiring process for positions that require Spanish, evaluating applicants’ level of fluency and cultural competency.

Qualifications:

The LEP Coordinator / Bilingual Client Advocate must be fluent in both spoken and written Spanish at a native or heritage level, they must be able to interpret and translate from Spanish to English and English to Spanish and must pass a Spanish fluency evaluation to qualify for this position. A Spanish interpretation certification is preferred, but not required. Additionally, it is preferred that the ideal candidate has experience in legal settings, whether in a professional or a personal context.

Candidates must have cultural competency in Spanish-speaking communities, must have a demonstrated interest in serving underprivileged communities, and must be able to work well with people of various socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. Candidates must be flexible, highly motivated, and able to prioritize and juggle many projects at once. Candidates must have very strong communication skills and thrive in a team setting while being able to work independently and manage time effectively in solo projects. The role will be supported by a cross-divisional Spanish speaking team of attorneys, legal assistants, and investigators. Although the position will require various independent tasks, it will also offer opportunities to engage in expansive team coordination. The ability to use and understand basic computer functions is a must.

Compensation:

Orleans Public Defenders offers a competitive salary and an exceptional benefit package. This is a full-time salaried position, with a minimum annual pay of $47,000, starting salary commensurate with experience.

Benefits: OPD's generous benefit package BEGINS ON YOUR FIRST DAY. It includes:

• 100% Employer paid MEDICAL, DENTAL, and VISION coverages for employee.
• 100% Employer paid Life and AD&D coverage.
• Supplemental Life and AD&D coverage (Employee/Spouse/Dependents)
• Employer Contribution to 401-A Retirement Plan (3% of salary) AND
• Employer Matching Contribution to 401-A Retirement Plan (up to an additional 3% of salary)
• Employee Discount Program (at no cost)
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks)
• Paid Vacation / Sick /Bereavement Leave
• Federal/State/Orleans Criminal District Court Holiday schedules observed

To Apply:

Qualified and interested applicants must submit all of the following to be considered for this position by Friday, November 22, 2024:

• Cover letter explaining your interest in the position
• Resume
• A list of three (3) professional references (List should include reference's full name, job title, telephone number, email address, and how the reference is able to speak to candidate's performance and work ethic.)

Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls.

Orleans Public Defenders is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of our hiring process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Sharee Garnett, Director, Human Resources, 504-827-8179 / 504-821-8101, SGarnett@opdla.org.

OPD is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation.