VA Intake Navigator

The VA Legal Services Intake Navigator offers support, advocacy, information and referrals. This position will help guide clients through the various systems and support related to their civil legal issue and serve as a resource. The Intake Navigator will provide .50 FTE support to the Intake Group and .50 FTE support to the MLP Practice Group with case navigation. This position will offer holistic, client-based support and will serve as the primary point of contact for assigned VA Legal Services clients.

Specific Duties

• Assist with applications from those who seek legal assistance from MLP (50%), including:


• Process new referrals and complete intakes and scheduling for new referrals.


• Coordinate with the VA, Veteran partners, applicants and clients to obtain more information as needed on referrals.


• Coordinate communication among applicants, clients, MLSA intake specialists and staff attorneys regarding case status.


• Perform conflict screening, assist applicants with forms and coordinate with MLSA staff in the gathering of relevant information.


• Conduct initial screening of calls.


• Input data from online or paper applications.


• Scan and upload applications and client documents to MLSA’s case management system.


• Assist clients who need additional assistance to navigate external resources such as: MT State public benefits, social security administration, courts, etc.


• Maintain calendars in the case management system and schedule advice appointments with MLSA advocates as appropriate.


• Staff cases with MLP team to determine case priorities and client needs.


• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned MLSA VA clients.


• Develop and maintain knowledge of, and strong working relationships with, legal and social service agencies for strong referrals.


• Use a client-centered approach to working with families and individuals to access economic stability services. Maintain regular contact with clients to continually assess needs and provide appropriate support.


• Determine case timelines and summarize the issues surrounding the case.


• Create case files for new clients and new cases.


• Answer incoming calls from clients seeking MLSA services and assist with general MLSA intake as needed.


• Set time to conduct initial screening of calls.


• Assist with client contact to ensure cases are regularly updated, time is assigned, and clients are aware of timelines and requirements.


• Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor, Supervising Attorney, or the Deputy Director.

 Required Skills & Attributes

• Commitment to belonging, social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.


• Excellent oral and written communications skills.


• Good listening skills.


• Strong interpersonal and verbal skills.


• Capacity to learn and adapt.


• High degree of computer data entry proficiency and accuracy.


• Ability and willingness to work cooperatively and collegially within a decentralized statewide law firm.


• Proficient at the use of technology, including, but not limited to, word processing, spreadsheets, internet-based programs and computer-based legal research.


• Willingness to learn and further develop technology skills and abilities.


• A commitment to providing high quality legal assistance to families and individuals in Montana.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent educational experience.


• An understanding of the civil equal justice legal needs of low-income people, including the unique needs of populations that experience particular barriers to access to justice systems, and of effective approaches and methods for addressing those needs.


• Experience working collaboratively and empathetically with diverse groups of colleagues, firm partners, and clients who have varying cultural backgrounds, perspectives, experience, and expertise.


• Knowledge of substantive legal areas affecting low-income people.

MLSA is an equal opportunity employer and we consider the diversity of our staff to be vital to our organization's success.