Bilingual (Somali-English) Self-Help Center Specialist, Hennepin, Self-Represented Litigant Program

Minnesota Judicial Branch.com

61k - 95k USD/year

Hybrid

Minneapolis, MN, United States

Full Time

Hennepin County District Court is currently accepting applications for a Bilingual (Somali-English) Self-Help Center (SHC) Specialist position with the Judicial Branch’s 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 Practice, Rule 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 Branch's 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 75,000 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 assist Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs) by responding to a variety of Self-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 needs and a reliable internet connection will be required if working remotely.

The Minnesota Judicial Branch offers a comprehensive benefits package. To learn more about benefits, click 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 Practice, Rule 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 serving Self-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:

Associate’s 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,
Fluency in English and Somali (speaking, reading, and writing).
OR an equivalent amount of education and relevant experience totaling three (3) years.
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 customer’s 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:

Bachelor’s 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 ($61,428.96-$78,404.40 annually). The full salary range for the Self-Help Center Specialist position is $29.42-$45.67 ($61,428.96-$95,358.96 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: 4th.human.resources@courts.state.mn.us; or phone: 612-540-6488. 
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.

Why Work for Us? Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and value diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics. We are intentional and mindful about the organizational culture we are building, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another’s growth.
Employee Benefits The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family’s wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more at Employee Benefits - Careers at the Minnesota Judicial Branch Careers. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.
Equal Employment Opportunity It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting Human Resources at 4th.Human.Resources@courts.state.mn.us. The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We value and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.
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