Michael Villanueva
Austin,TX
Summary
I am seeking the Intake & Eligibility Specialist position with the United Migrant Opportunity Services department in McAllen Texas to increase my field knowledge while offering experience managing confidential information, connecting individuals to resources, interpersonal skills, and social and cultural awareness to support and protect the rights of migrants in the Rio Grande Valley.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Secretary/Legal Advocate
Travis County Public Defender's Office
Austin, TX
02.2022 - Current
- Provide assistance to defense practitioners and other legal advocates (paralegals, social workers, investigators, etc.) to serve and preserve the rights of indigent community members of Travis County accused of criminal offenses
- Process both new and preexisting client appointments in collaboration with criminal practice supervisors and ensures the completeness of each
- Provide direct support to attorneys in obtaining essential legal documentation to enable the explanation of criminal charges to clients and their rights, as well as the formulation of potential defenses to those charges.
- Facilitate bilingual communication with attorneys and other legal advocates to provide information to clients regarding their case status, court dates, and other updates related to their holistic defense.
- Aid in the production and filing of discovery notices that the advocacy team uses to acquire additional evidence to reinforce and solidify client rights.
- Utilize a variety of computer skills to process secure case sensitive documents, create statistical reports, troubleshoot technological issues, and train other staff members in such skills.
- Experience in assisting during criminal investigations, conducting client jail visits, and interpreting during court proceedings.
Student Assistant
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
08.2018 - 01.2022
- Performed work such as data entry, typing documents, printing, answering phone calls, emails, moving and stocking inventory etc
- Processed student applications and prepared for committee review
- Provided peer-mentoring as an Honors Student Ambassador to assist students with their course schedule and check on their emotional well-being
- Aided applicants to find resources around campus that consisted of financial aid, counseling, the health center
- Used proficiency in Spanish to connect and communicate with an under-served segment of the parent/student population
- Designed and created Excel spreadsheets and reports to interpret and analyze data
- Assisted in the preparation of in-person and virtual recruiting events
- Facilitated the adoption of the Radius Application system to improve the student application process and maximize efficiency
- Adapted to various working conditions and co-workers, and frequently embraced constructive criticism
- Learned how to use new software and tools to communicate and assist students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Education
Honors Graduate: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice With An Accounting Minor -
Sam Houston State University
12-2021
Skills
- Problem-solving Skills
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Crisis Management
- Multitasking Skills
- Communication Skills
- Detail-Oriented
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications, AdobeAcrobat, and a multitude of computer applications
Languages
- English
- Spanish
References
- Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt, Judge, 449th State Judicial District
Court Email: renee.betancourt@co.hidalgo.tx.us; Phone: (956)
381-0744
Timeline
Legal Secretary/Legal Advocate
Travis County Public Defender's Office
02.2022 - Current
Student Assistant
Sam Houston State University
08.2018 - 01.2022
Honors Graduate: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice With An Accounting Minor -
Sam Houston State University
Similar Profiles
Kati HaggardKati Haggard
Investigator at Newton County Public Defender's OfficeInvestigator at Newton County Public Defender's Office
Stephen BernertStephen Bernert
Intern at Bucks County Public Defender's OfficeIntern at Bucks County Public Defender's Office
Sydney MachadoSydney Machado
Job shadow at Chesterfield County Public Defender's OfficeJob shadow at Chesterfield County Public Defender's Office
David Menchaca GarciaDavid Menchaca Garcia
Small Business Specialist/Business Permit Officer at Office of the Governor - Economic Development and TourismSmall Business Specialist/Business Permit Officer at Office of the Governor - Economic Development and Tourism
JACOB LUJANJACOB LUJAN
Sales Representative at Community Marketing StrategiesSales Representative at Community Marketing Strategies