Operations Associate

Summary

Legal Aid at Work (LAAW) enforces and expands the employment and civil rights of low-wage workers, their families, and communities by engaging in outreach and education, providing clients with legal advice and representation, and advocating for policy reforms.

LAAW has seven core program areas: (1) Disability Rights; (2) Racial Economic Justice; (3) Gender Equity & LGBTQ Rights; (4) Wage Protection; (5) Work & Family; (6) National Origin and Immigrants’ Rights; and (7) Community Legal Services. Through these programs, LAAW:

  • Provides free, individualized legal advice and counsel throughout California to thousands of low-income workers;
  • Pursues targeted enforcement and impact litigation to strengthen and clarify the law;
  • Conducts community outreach and education for workers, their advocates, their families, and their health and social service providers; and
  • Advocates for laws, regulations, and policies at the local, state, and national levels to strengthen civil and workplace rights.

As a social justice organization, Legal Aid at Work’s mission is rooted in the firm belief that all people deserve respect, dignity, and self-determination at work, at school, and in their communities. Structural and systemic racism—with the oppression of Black and Indigenous people at its core—and other forms of injustice shape the society and the civic, political and legal systems in which we work and live. Legal Aid at Work is committed to developing and nurturing an organizational culture that will dismantle systems of oppression, uplift people from underrepresented communities, and create a workplace that is truly equitable and inclusive. As such, we strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented communities to apply.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Operations and Technology Manager, the Operations Associate will play a pivotal role in maintaining the daily operations of LAAW’s San Francisco office, while also providing in-person and remote support to LAAW staff. Working well both independently and collaboratively, the Operations Associate will partner closely with the Operations team to anticipate and respond to the needs of the office and staff as it relates to reception responsibilities, technology, and general administrative tasks. LAAW’s office has been largely closed since the COVID-19 pandemic, and we do not have any current plans to fully reopen the office except to staff, fellows, and law clerks who choose to work in person. However, the Operations Associate will still serve as the first point of contact for clients, vendors, and other guests, as needed.

The Operations Associate will be involved in many aspects of LAAW’s daily operations and office management, often being required to toggle between various responsibilities. This person’s responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:

Office Operations & Maintenance

  • Manage the front-desk and reception areas, serving as the first point of contact for guests, employees, and other visitors
  • Receive, sort, scan and distribute incoming mail and deliveries, and manage outgoing mail
  • Communicate with staff, as needed, regarding client visits and time-sensitive mailings and faxes
  • Keep the office clean and organized, especially the kitchen, conference rooms, stockrooms, storage closets, and communal areas
  • Order office supplies, stock supply stations and kitchen, and ensure all office equipment is functioning
  • Assist the Operations and Technology Manager on special operations and IT projects

Technology Support

  • Create and manage user accounts in the Microsoft 365 portal, NetDocuments and Zoom
  • Train new staff on the basics of Microsoft Office, NetDocuments, and Zoom
  • Manage office copier/scan equipment, printers, and other hardware
  • Maintain inventory of office computer hardware, including laptops, monitors, and accessories
  • Serve as on-site point person for workspace set-up, conference room maintenance, and in-person
  • coordination of hoteling desks

Desired Attributes and Skills

TThe following list of core competencies and experiences is provided to share insight into the requirements of the role and the general level of experience we seek to see in candidates. We encourage all qualified candidates and those with relevant or transferable experience to apply, even if you do not bring experience in all of the areas noted below.

  • A demonstrated passion for the central role that the workplace plays in our society—as an essential source of economic and social support; as a space where people from diverse backgrounds interact; as a potential source of identity, dignity, and respect
  • One to two years of relevant work experience in an office or customer service setting preferred
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; Spanish language skills preferred
  • Exceptional follow-up and follow through with a keen attention to detail
  • Willingness to ask questions and share ideas
  • High emotional intelligence and anticipatory approach to supporting the needs of others
  • Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing competing deadlines, communicating proactively when issues arise
  • Ability to self-start and troubleshoot independently, while also working well in collaboration with colleagues
  • Intermediate level knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite; ability to learn new systems and software quickly
  • Willingness and ability to provide hands-on office support, including organizing supplies, lifting and moving boxes up to 40 pounds, and setting up workstations
  • Commitment to racial equity work and incorporating racial equity principles into their work

LAAW maintains an office in San Francisco and candidates must be based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most staff (including the Operations and Technology Manager) work remotely, but the Operations Associate is required to be in the office full-time, which LAAW defines as Monday through Friday and 35 hours a week.

Compensation

Legal Aid at Work offers salaries that are competitive in the Bay Area public interest law community. Benefits include health plans, long-term disability and life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with employer match and contribution, and generous paid vacation and holidays. There is a language bonus for bilingual client-facing staff members. As a unionized organization, LAAW believes in the importance of employees organizing to improve their working conditions. This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by ESC Local 20. The current negotiated salary scale for the position can be found here. We anticipate an estimated salary range of $69,160 to $91,000, depending on years of relevant experience.

To Apply

We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. Applications must include (1) a cover letter explaining your interest in this position and the ways in which you satisfy the qualifications specified above, (2) résumé, and (3) three professional references, including one direct supervisor, if possible (please indicate your relationship to each reference). All application materials should be submitted to:

Operations Associate Search Committee

Email:  jobs@legalaidatwork.org

Legal Aid at Work is committed to a diverse, multicultural work environment. LAAW is an equal opportunity, fair chance, and affirmative action employer. Our complete EEO and DEI statements as well as further information concerning the organization and its programs can be found at legalaidatwork.org.  Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Legal Aid at Work will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.