Bilingual (Somali-English) Self-Help Center Specialist, Hennepin, Self-Represented Litigant Program
Bilingual (Somali-English) Self-Help Center Specialist, Hennepin, Self-Represented Litigant Program
Employer Active
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Share
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
$ 61428 - 78404
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Hennepin County District Court is currently accepting applications for a Bilingual (Somali-English) Self-Help Center (SHC) Specialist position with the Judicial Branchs Self-Represented Litigant (SRL) Program.
The Self-Represented Litigant (SRL) Program provides information to Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs) with legal issues that can be addressed in District Court pursuant to Minnesota Court Rules General Rules of PracticeRule 110. Self-Represented Litigants (SRL) Program staff cannot provide legal advice.
The goals of the program include:
- Increasing access to justice for individuals who cannot afford to hire an attorney or choose not to hire an attorney to represent them.
- Improving the efficiency of the Minnesota Judicial Branch
The Minnesota Judicial Branchs Self-Represented Litigant (SRL) Program has three Self-Help Center (SHC) locations including two walk-in centers located in downtown Minneapolis and one statewide virtual center. Together the Self-Help Centers (SHCs) serve over 75000 customers annually in person via phone and via email. Each of the three Self-Help Centers is a diverse professional environment that promotes equity for all court staff and court users. Self-Help Center Specialists work individually and in teams using independent judgment and available resources to assistSelf-Represented Litigants (SRLs) by responding to a variety ofSelf-Represented Litigant (SRL) questions across different case types.
The Self-Help Center Specialist will work initially with the Self-Help Center (SHC) located in the Hennepin County Family Justice Center (FJC) (110 South Fourth Street). This position will also help Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs) and the Self-Help Center (SHC) team at the Hennepin County Government Center (HCGC) (300 S. 6th Street Minneapolis MN) and may assist the Statewide Self-Help Center.
This is a full-time non-exempt position classified as a Self-Help Center Specialist. Core business hours for this position are 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.This is a hybrid role working both on-site and remotely depending on business needsand a reliable internet connection will be required if working remotely.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch offers a comprehensive benefits package. To learn more about benefitsclick here.
Example of Duties:
The following are examples of major job duties expected for this position to perform:
- Provide legal information to Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs) with legal issues that can be addressed in District Court pursuant to Minnesota Court Rules General Rules of PracticeRule 110. Self-Help Programs.
- Provide legal information to Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs) in a variety of settings: in-person over the phone via email and web-based technologies.
- Provide information on available legal resources and legal information such as court procedures legal requirements forms and how to prepare for court.
- Identify unmet needs and propose solutions pertaining to Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs) in District Court.
- Develop new forms and instructions educational approaches website content and new approaches to leverage technology to improve access to justice and enhance court efficiency.
- Serve as a resource to the volunteer attorneys and volunteer law students servingSelf-Represented Litigants (SRLs) at law clinics.
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Below are the past experiences that will enable success in the role. For education requirements listed the equivalent number of years of related experience may serve as a substitute.
Minimum Education and Experience:
- Associates degree from an accredited college or university in social services law criminal justice court administration paralegal studies or a related field and one (1) year of experience in a court or legal setting and experience providing effective customer service
- OR an equivalent amount of education and relevant experience totaling three (3) years.
- Fluency in English and Somali (speaking reading and writing).
- Selected candidate will be required to pass an oral Somali-language proficiency exam.
Minimum Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of court procedures and policies legal documents and terminology laws and legal functions pertaining to the court.
- Ability to listen and interpret the nature of a problem and the relevant context in order to apply knowledge of court practices and processes to address individual court customers issues.
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced sometimes stressful environment.
- Ability to simplify legal concepts and terminology to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs).
- Ability to effectively work with individuals from diverse backgrounds including individuals with little experience with the judicial system.
- Ability to work in an inclusive multicultural environment that values diversity and relationships.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree or certification as a paralegal through an approved ABA program or through the PACE or CLA/CP certification exam.
- Experience reading and interpreting legal documents of varying types and complexity and applying knowledge of specific laws statutes and rules to individual cases without providing legal advice.
- Knowledge of local legal resources.
- Fluency in a third language.
- Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Experience creating or reviewing educational materials on legal topics appropriate for web content.
SALARY:
The expected starting salary range for Self-Help Center Specialist is $29.42-$37.55 ($61428.96-$78404.40 annually). The full salary range for the Self-Help Center Specialist position is $29.42-$45.67 ($61428.96-$95358.96 annually).
This position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for State of Minnesota employee benefits.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
- Complete and submit your online application with resume and cover letter attached by August 24 2025 at 11:59pm.
- Interviews may be conducted virtually via Zoom or in Person.
- Please contact our recruitment team with questions regarding this posting via email:; or phone:.
- All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check. An employment offer may be rescinded if the background check identifies job related convictions.
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
Employment Type
Full-Time
