Staff Attorney, Housing Specialist (Santa Rosa)
WHO WE ARE: Founded in 1966, CRLA’s mission is to fight for justice and individual rights alongside the most exploited communities of our society. Through a network of regional offices and cross-cutting programs, CRLA provides legal services to over 27,000 low-income people annually. Our work impacts farmworkers, individuals with disabilities, immigrant populations, LGBT communities, women, children and families in rural areas.
Position: Staff Attorney
Experience: 0-3 Years Experience
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Location: CRLA Santa Rosa Office
Term of Employment: Regular, Full-Time
Other: FLSA Exempt, Union Position
Reporting to the Fair Housing and Foreclosure Program Director, the Staff Attorney provides comprehensive legal services to eligible clients in CRLA priority areas in accordance with CRLA program guidelines, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services and the Code of Professional Responsibility.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Provide legal services (advice, negotiation, litigation & administrative advocacy) to low-income clients in housing matters, including but not limited to:
- Unlawful detainers;
- Landlord/Tenant disputes;
- Public Housing administrative matters.
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Provide advice and counsel on a legal advice hotline;
- Provide limited representation in housings matters;
- Identify systemic problems that affect our clients’ rights.
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Provide foreclosure prevention assistance:
- Intake and process individual foreclosure cases with a special emphasis on homeowners over the age of 50 and low-income heirs to family homes seeking to assume mortgage loans;
- File administrative complaints or litigate individual cases in collaboration with grant partner, Housing and Economic Rights Advocates (HERA).
- Review/supervise the work product of Community Workers and Support Staff relating to all clients being advised or represented in housing matters.
- Develop leadership in working with the community, clients and other advocacy groups related to housing impact issues.
- Participate in training programs, case reviews, staff meetings and other CRLA activities.
- Prepare and provide community education regarding housing legal rights.
- Collaborate with members of the private bar and other community benefit organizations as necessary.
- Maintain contemporaneous time records in case management system.
- Maintain great working relationship with all staff.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience:
- Admitted to practice law before the court of any state.
- Admitted to practice law in the State of CA or willingness to take the next CA Bar Exa.
- Demonstrated commitment to working with low income clients.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Able to meet deadlines and perform multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
- Good people skills and the ability to maintain positive relations with a diverse population.
- Bilingual (English & Spanish) Fluency.
Preferred Education and Experience:
A highly qualified and desirable candidate would also have the following:
- Experience working with low-income families and communities.
- Experience in a non-profit legal services environment.
- Prior experience in legal services and additional language ability relevant.
- an understanding of the dynamics of, and the legal, social and personal issues raised by housing discrimination.
This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Compensation & Benefits:
Based on a competitive public interest union salary scale; generous benefits package includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, and 401K retirement plan contribution. Fourteen (14) paid Holidays, generous vacation and sick leave policy, some professional dues paid by CRLA and if qualified - participation in the School Loan Reimbursement Assistance Program (LRAP).
California Rural Legal Assistance thrives on our diversity and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a culturally diverse workplace and strongly encourage women, persons of color, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, persons with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups to apply.
Please use link below to apply:
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=42354&clientkey=9FCEC13390BDC18669B5F49CBFC2178E
OR Email Resume and Cover Letter to jobs@crla.org