Case Worker

WHO WE ARE: California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA) is an anti-poverty law firm dedicated to dismantling unjust systems through community lawyering in California’s historically rural areas. For over five decades, we have partnered with communities priced out of private legal representation to uphold civil rights in housing, employment, health, and public education. Building on a radical legacy rooted in the farmworker movement and the War on Poverty, CRLA continues to fight for the rights and prosperity of rural Californians through bold advocacy, systemic change, and a vision of thriving, empowered communities. CRLA’s community-led legal services activate community power to achieve justice, ensuring our clients and partners have the tools to dismantle poverty, discrimination, and systemic inequities.

• Position: Case Worker
• Experience: 6+ months
• Application Deadline: Open until filled
• Job Location: CRLA Headquarters – Modesto, CA
• Secondary Job Locations: Coachella Office - Coachella, CA; Delano Office - Delano, CA; El Centro Office – El Centro, CA; Fresno Office - Fresno, CA; Lamont Office – Lamont, CA; Madera Office – Madera, CA; Oxnard Office - Oxnard, CA; Salinas Office – Salinas, CA; San Luis Obispo Office – San Luis Obispo, CA; Santa Maria Office - Santa Maria, CA; Stockton Office - Stockton, CA; Tulare Office – Tulare, CA; Vista Office - Vista, CA; Watsonville Office - Watsonville, CA
• Location: Hybrid from any listed office, with a strong preference for applicants located in Fresno County, Kings County, Riverside County, or Ventura County
• Other: FLSA Exempt, Full-Time, Union Position

Under the supervision of an attorney, the Case Worker will engage in the following activities within CRLA's employment law practice area:

• Conduct investigations. Gather information through field inquiry and other research related to actual or potential cases and litigation. 
• Non-lawyer advocacy representing client's interests with government agencies and other forums appropriate to a non-lawyer and engage in law advocacy to the extent permissible under the law and Code of Professional Ethics; perform ministerial duties in connection with lawsuits such as filing and the service of process. 
• Community Education and Community Services. Maintaining CRLA liaison with community organizations and community groups to ensure CRLA resources address client community needs. Training low-income communities in law advocacy and self-help efforts; educating clients regarding legal rights.
• Client Intake. Perform initial screening for client eligibility; interview clients and prepare simple documents from standard forms; assist In Pro-Per clients; make referrals where appropriate. 
• Be willing to travel as necessary to reach client communities.

Other Qualifications:

• Commitment to serving low income clients.
• Ability to use internet, database and computer word processing programs.
• Good communication sills.
• Ability to interact productively with diverse community populations.
• Applicants must have car and car insurance.
• Computer researching skills.
• Client interviewing skills.
• Experience with community outreach.