Specifications include, but are not limited to: The service provider must implement and maintain a program in accordance with the terms of this RFP between July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025. The program must provide to eligible persons aged 60 and older, legal advice in civil matters (non-criminal) and representation by an attorney of law or a person under the supervision of an attorney. 1. Geographic Area to be Served: Legal Assistance will be provided to older adults residing within all areas of Lane County, Oregon. This includes those who: a. Are unable to leave their own home; b. Live in congregate facilities; and c. Reside in rural areas. 2. Rural/Urban Split: Approximately seventy-five percent (75%) of service units must be delivered within the Eugene/Springfield area. The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) of service units must be delivered in areas outside of the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area such as Cottage Grove, Florence, Junction City, Oakridge, and Veneta. The Service Provider must have a method for delivering services to rural areas that minimize transportation and other barriers rural residents experience. 3. Days/Hours of Operation: At a minimum, services will be available Monday through Friday, with the exception of designated holidays. 4. Program Specification: a. Service Definition: Legal Assistance means legal advice and representation provided by an attorney to older individuals with economic or social needs; and includes to the extent feasible, counseling or other appropriate assistance by a paralegal or law student under the direct supervision of an attorney; and counseling or representation by a non-lawyer where permitted by law. Representation includes direct assistance that goes beyond advice and referral, for the purpose of achieving a solution to a legal problem, and encompasses research, negotiation, preparation of legal documents, correspondence, appearance at administrative hearings or in courts of law, and legal appeals. b. Unit of Service: A unit of service is one hour of staff or volunteer time expended on behalf of client(s) including; i. Actual time legal assistance is provided directly to the client or legal work performed on the client's case including counseling and time spent for community education. ii. Reasonable travel time to a facility or client's home where legal assistance is provided and back to point of departure. iii. Time of assistance is recorded to the nearest quarter hour. All other times not stated above, such as training, administration, vacation and sick leave are not to be included in computing hours or units of service. c. Authority to Operate: A public or private agency providing Legal Assistance as described herein on a planned regular basis shall be incorporated and shall have legal authority to operate in the State of Oregon and shall meet the standards for the assistance provided. The governing body of the contractor legally assumes authority and fiscal responsibility for the operation of the agency.
