Housing Unit Paralegal - Community Legal Services, Inc.

Community Legal Services, Inc. of Philadelphia (CLS) is a non-profit public interest agency providing free civil legal services to low-income Philadelphia residents. As the largest provider of free civil legal services in the Philadelphia area, CLS is both locally and nationally renowned as a premier legal services provider dedicated to ensuring access to justice for all low-income individuals and communities.

CLS is seeking a paralegal for its Housing Unit. This full-time position is responsible for interviewing potential clients both in person and over the telephone on a rotating basis with other unit members, providing advice and representation to the unit’s clients as well as maintaining a large number of client files, under the supervision of attorneys in the unit.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The job duties and responsibilities necessary for this position include:
 

• Providing direct representation of clients in administrative proceedings, including representation at fair housing hearings, public housing grievance and admissions hearings;
• Maintaining a client caseload and exercising independent professional judgment required of an advocate on all aspects of each individual case;
• Assisting in negotiations with opposing parties, which will include frequent contact with landlords, public housing managers, apartment managers, public housing caseworkers, opposing counsel, etc.;
• Assisting in litigation support, including drafting pleadings, affidavits, and discovery;
• Conducting eligibility and substantive interviews in person and by telephone. Interviews may at times take place outside the regular office setting;
• Providing basic information and referrals to applicants, including those ineligible for services;
• Maintaining accurate and complete client files and administrative records, including data entry into client databases and other requirements, such as timekeeping;
• Participating in policy advocacy around issues such as habitability, preservation of affordable housing, reasonable accommodations and barriers to housing due to domestic/sexual violence and criminal records;
• Outreaching to community, including legal education presentations. Presentations may take place outside of the regular office setting, and after office hours;
• Knowledge of other community resources for appropriate referrals;
• Interviewing clients;
• Obtaining relevant case facts and drafting thorough memoranda for the case handlers;
• Negotiating favorable outcomes for clients; and
• Giving clients advice under the supervision of attorneys.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and abilities:

• Ability to learn a large volume of complex material quickly, initiative, strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact well in a multi-cultural environment.
• Willingness and motivation to assist on substantive cases and administrative matters.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two or four-year college degree
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong writing skills
• Ability to deal with a high volume of direct client interaction
• Word processing, Internet, and office skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Some substantive experience in Housing law is preferred, but not required
• Experience in legislative or administrative advocacy, or experience with a social services agency or a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of the low-income individuals is preferred.
• Proficiency in Office365/Microsoft Office (highly preferred)
• Fluency in Spanish, including the ability to read and write fluently, and to translate written documents accurately is preferred

To Apply: CLS will accept applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. But applicants should apply by Thursday, October 31, 2024 to receive first round consideration. You can submit your application on CLS’s website online at https://clsphila.org/careers/  or submit your application below by clicking "Apply Now".

What to Include in your application: Please include a cover letter, resume, three professional references from current or former supervisors (identifying your relationship), and one brief writing sample (10 pages or less). 

CLS values a diverse work environment and strongly encourages women, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ, people with disabilities, people who have experienced poverty or homelessness and people who have had prior contact with the juvenile, criminal, or child welfare systems to apply. CLS invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and legal services practice. 

Compensation: This is a full-time position covered by the collective bargaining agreement between CLS and the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, AFL-CIO and its affiliate District 1199C. CLS asks for a minimum two-year commitment from individuals who accept an offer of employment for a paralegal position. The current minimum starting salary is $45,970 for entry-level applicants but that salary is subject to change or adjustment if an applicant has relevant years of experience and according to the provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement. Raises and benefits are also governed by that agreement. 

Benefits: CLS offers a very generous and competitive benefits package including 100% employer paid medical, life, and short/long-term disability benefits, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, and generous leave package.  

Community Legal Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. CLS, Inc. does not discriminate in the selection of employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, genetics, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.  In addition to federal law requirements, CLS complies with all applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

 

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