Overview

Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) is committed to fair employment practices. We are proud to employ a staff with the cultural and linguistic competency to work within a variety of communities.

GBLS seeks a qualified candidate to fill the position of Receptionist at the Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services (CASLS) office. CASLS is a small supportive neighborhood office with a strong track record of success in providing legal assistance to low income, elderly, and immigrant communities it serves in Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Belmont, Woburn, and Winchester.

Location: This position is based at 60 Gore Street, Second Floor, East Cambridge, MA 02141 (near the Lechmere T stop). It is “in person” five days a week.

Hours: This position is for 35 hours a week. The daily schedule will be based on coverage needs and may change over time but will be regular. Normal office operations time is Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Duties include:

  • Answer the phone and apply unit protocols to screen and direct callers as appropriate.
  • Answer the door and determine the nature of the visitor’s business (including greeting clients, directing potential clients as appropriate, and providing building access to postal and other delivery persons).
  • Determine initial legal problem and/or geographic and/or financial eligibility for prospective clients who contact CASLS by phone or in person.
  • Upon request, schedule interpreter and other appointments for CASLS staff.
  • Sort, date-stamp and distribute incoming mail and stamp and post outgoing mail.
  • Be available between calls to assist with office administrative tasks such as updating office forms, scanning, copying, and library filing.
  • Maintaining updated brochures and flyers in CASLS reception area.
  • Occasionally assist clients by making certain referrals.
  • Some data entry including limited intakes in our client database system.
  • On occasion, as time permits, assist with on the job training for new staff.

Qualifications

  • Excellent oral skills and good judgment.
  • Ability to maintain professionalism and patience when dealing with clients and potential clients who may be distressed.
  • Ability to use computer database to enter information and search for information.
  • Ability to use basic functions of Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Willingness and ability to learn where to refer callers.
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
  • Fluency in English (Fluency in one or more languages spoken by CASLS clients, such as Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole, is helpful but not required).
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