Intake Assistant

Intake Assistant

ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 200 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Intake Assistant supports the operations of the Intake Department.  The work of the department involves a fast paced and high volume of correspondence, data entry, and file management.  The Intake Assistant is responsible for coordinating and processing the mail.  

The Intake Assistant works collaboratively with every position in the department, and reports to the Director of Intake & Case Evaluation.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas and we are not an e-verify employer.

The duties of this position require approximately 40 hours of work per week to be performed virtually/in-office. We currently have a hybrid in-office model, with all employees in the office three days per week and the remainder of the week remotely. Wednesday is our organization’s “anchor day” where all staff works in the office. The number of required in-office days is subject to change. 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is detail oriented and organized with their work. They are able to work both collaboratively and independently in a collective environment and are flexible to navigate between both environments. They are experienced performing more than one task at the same time and can easily navigate determining the order of tasks according to their relative importance. They have a demonstrated passion for social justice, criminal reform, and fair, compassionate and equitable systems of justice for everyone.

In addition, all Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff.  We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners.  The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in this type of environment. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Processes large volumes of incoming mail.  This includes reading and documenting all intake letters, organizing and distributing all incoming mail and documents to the appropriate department member, and assessing appropriate action for letters in cases not assigned to individual department members.
• Responsible for scanning and returning of voluminous documents that come into the department. Oversee volunteers assisting on these projects.  
• Sends letter responses and other mail to applicants requesting case status updates and/or document returns.
• Creates an electronic  file for all applicants.
• Uses online databases to locate applicant’s contact information.
• Updates case database with changes to contact information or case status.
• Systematically reviews letters from applicants and conducts screening to reject cases that do not meet basic intake criteria.
• Assists department in large scale projects.
• Regularly performs data integrity checks to insure and improve data accuracy.
• In charge of administrative tasks involved in the Final Review Law Firm Project. This includes organizing, mailing, and tracking physical and digital files transferred to pro-bono law firms and other volunteers, as well as managing all physical and digital data received from the firms and volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• HS Diploma or GED or equivalent work experience, at least 1 year in similar role
• Prior professional experience in a fast-paced office
• Experience with case management tools and databases, including data entry
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES

• Flexible and collaborative work style, resistance to stress, and ability to function effectively in a demanding environment 
• Superior skills in organization, planning and attention to details 
• Proven ability to work independently and in a collective environment
• Total confidentiality regarding cases
• Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest
• Shares in the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

The salary for this position is highly competitive and the Innocence Project offers an excellent benefits package, including fully-paid individual health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account, 401k plan with 6% company-match, paid disability and family care leave, adoption and fertility expense reimbursements, and company-paid transportation benefits.

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission.  We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please visit our career page. Upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name in this format (last name_first name_cover letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email. 

**Applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis until the post is filled.** 

SALARY RANGE

$27.34 - $30.05 per hour ($56,875 - $62,500) Salary commensurate with experience