Posted May 25, 20224:05 pm
There are 120 staff at Legal Aid, and each person’s specialized role contributes to the overall impact of our organization. One of the most important roles is that of Intake Specialist.
Intake Specialists are often the first staff person a client meets, and they serve as a guiding presence through those initial interactions. Intake Specialists gather key information to determine if people are eligible to receive free legal help from Legal Aid. Rausienne Broome has been an Intake Specialist with Legal Aid for two years. We recently sat down with Rausienne to learn a little more about her and her experiences in this position.
What brought you to Legal Aid?
I was laid off from my job of 15 years. My husband owns a café, and I started working with him. I met a woman in the building where my husband’s café is located. She is a program coordinator and knew people that worked at Legal Aid. She told me that Legal Aid had an opening for the position of Intake Specialist and that I should apply. My previous job was in mortgage title insurance. I never did legal work for my livelihood.
I went online to look up more about Legal Aid. After learning more, I really wanted to be a part of it. It coincided with the other part of my life - my husband is a pastor, and we do a lot of ministry outreach. This position allows me to give back daily and help people in other ways.
What is your favorite thing about Legal Aid?
It is so rewarding to know that what I do helps others. This gives the caller hope. Often, we are not the first organization that they have gone to for help. When they are accepted for review, you can hear the sound of relief in their voices.
Even when we tell the callers that we can’t help them, they still tell us “thank you.” They are thankful that someone took the time to listen to them. It keeps me humble. You hear from people with so many issues and they are hurting. It allows me the opportunity to help make a difference in their day.
What are your duties as an Intake Specialist?
As an Intake Specialist, I ask applicants questions and provide information to the applicants. One thing about this position I did not realize was that I would have to be aware of current events. For instance, during the pandemic, I would have callers asking me about the eviction moratorium. It was necessary for me to know how the moratorium affected the community and I had to be able to provide them with information from attorney-supervisors to help them. I also assist my team with printing and mail, training, and covering the receptionist desk.
What are your hobbies?
I love going to the gym and crocheting, but I only stick to scarves and blankets. I also love spending time with my six grandchildren: 8-year-old twin grandsons and four granddaughters, ages 5, 4, 3, and 1.
This article was published in Legal Aid's "Poetic Justice" newsletter, Volume 19 Issue 1 in May 2022. See full issue at this link: “Poetic Justice” Volume 19 Issue 1 – Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (lasclev.org)