The Legal Aid Society's Civil Practice is seeking Paralegal Casehandlers for the Housing Unit. The Paralegal Casehandler will work with the Housing Unit Staff Attorneys to resolve the government benefits issues involved with our Housing Unit, including obtaining rent arrears payments and ongoing rental assistance through FEPS relief, agency advocacy regarding government benefits, representation of clients at administrative hearings, and outreach and training for affected client communities and service providers. The Paralegal Casehandler is on the front lines of assisting individuals and families to avoid imminent eviction.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
* Provide advice and direct assistance to clients
* Interview clients and assess requests for services
* Represent clients at administrative hearings
* Work with Staff Attorneys to resolve the government benefits issues involved with housing practice cases
* Draft affidavits on behalf of clients
* Obtain rent arrears payments and ongoing rental assistance through FEPS relief
* Handle a high volume of individual cases and respond to the needs of community-based organizations
* Prepare documents and conduct advocacy in eviction cases and termination hearings
* Advocate with various agencies regarding government benefits
* Develop community education materials and conduct trainings for clients and other advocates
* Maintain case management
* Conduct courthouse-based and off-site intake as needed, including during evening hours
* Conduct policy advocacy on behalf of clients
SECONDARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
* Other duties as assigned
* Paralegal certificate from an ABA-accredited paralegal program, Bachelor's degree in relevant field, or satisfactory completion of a comprehensive in-house training course appropriate to practice area
* Excellent written, oral advocacy, and computer skills are required
* Ability to work independently as well as in a team and manage a large workload
* Ability to coordinate and collaborate successfully with other groups and organizations
* Experience in and/or commitment to advocacy on behalf of low-income people and immigrants is strongly desired
* Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task
* Experience assisting people in crisis is desirable, but not required
* Proficiency in languages other than English, especially Spanish, is desirable, but not required
The Legal Aid Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer -- Women, People of Color, Gays and Lesbians, Transgender People, Veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
If you have any questions about this posting email jobpostquestions@legal-aid.org.