Court Navigator

Position Overview:

The Court Navigator is a part of the Douglas County District Court Legal Self-Help Center (“SHC”). The SHC exists to help people who do not hire attorneys to help them with their legal issues – or Self-Represented Litigants (“SRLs”). The position will be one that evolves to meet needs as they develop. Initially, the Navigator duties may be as simple as answering questions about where someone needs to go in the building for a hearing or find a particular office to offering non-legal assistance to help accurately complete needed documents, or help locate other community and legal resources. Many SRLs benefit from having someone to answer basic questions to help them avoid common misunderstandings or procedural mistakes in their effort to represent themselves. 

Initial Key Responsibilities:

• Provide process information, with strict adherence to avoiding legal advice, to SRLs in many of the more common legal matters including divorce, child custody, and child support.
• Assist SRLs with finding and completing documents, including petitions, parenting plans, child support worksheets, and domestic relations affidavits.
• Help answer questions or provide information on court procedures, expectations, timelines, and available services.
• Be familiar with local court rules, forms, and legal processes.
• Learn and communicate with litigants about appropriate community and legal resources, including mediation services, pro bono or low-cost legal assistance, counseling, and more.
• Work with court personnel, attorneys, and community partners to streamline services and enhance litigant experience.
• Maintain comprehensive records and assist with data collection to support reporting and continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience in advising, counseling, teaching, supportive coaching, legal services, social services, court administration, or similar fields preferred.
• Knowledge or training in substantive legal topics commonly encountered at the district court level, to include family law procedures, terminology, and court documentation highly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain impartiality, professionalism, confidentiality, and handle sensitive interactions.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, particularly individuals experiencing emotional or stressful circumstances.
• Proficient with standard office software, digital case management, and data collection systems.
• Bi-lingual skills, particularly Spanish, desired. 

Working Conditions:

• Office-based role within the court environment.
• May require emotionally challenging situations or sensitive interactions.
• Frequent coordination with internal and external partners.

Reporting Structure:

Reports directly to the Director of Legal Self-Help.