EVICTION DIVERSION HOTLINE PARALEGAL

Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) is hiring a full-time paralegal to work with low-income Philadelphia tenants in danger of losing their homes. The position will start as soon as possible.

Background

PLA provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families in Philadelphia. For Philadelphia residents who are low-income, elderly, or disabled, our legal assistance is often crucial to protecting their homes, their children, their safety, and their livelihood.

PLA operates the Eviction Diversion Hotline, a central point of contact for Philadelphia residents going through Philadelphia’s Eviction Diversion Program. The lawyers and paralegals at PLA work in close collaboration with other non-profit law programs such as Community Legal Services, Cora Good Shepherd Mediation, and a network of housing counselors to assist renters in understanding the Eviction Diversion Program, navigating the legal system, understanding and safeguarding their rights, and avoiding homelessness. The Hotline is a critical piece of the network of services available in Philadelphia. It is designed to prevent homelessness and to preserve neighborhood and family stability by helping low-income individuals to remain in their homes.

Philadelphia’s Eviction Diversion program is a mediation program which allows tenants to work with housing counselors to negotiate agreements with their landlords in order to prevent an eviction from being filed. The Eviction Diversion Hotline supports the program by assisting tenants with advice, information, referrals and mediation support.

The Eviction Diversion Hotline also assists tenants access Targeted Financial Assistance, a rental assistance program that is part of the Eviction Diversion Program.

The Eviction Diversion Program is changing: the program is transitioning to a new database and altering how it determines outcomes for the program. We are seeking a flexible candidate willing to learn about new programs or changes to the Eviction Diversion Program as it develops.

Responsibilities

A successful candidate will have a variety of responsibilities as part of a team of attorneys and paralegals, including:

• Handling a high volume of calls from tenants regarding the Eviction Diversion and Targeted Financial Assistance Program
• Screening tenants for eligibility and performing intake
• Providing information about the Eviction Diversion program and assistance to tenants entering the program
• Evaluating a tenant’s situation and making appropriate referrals
• Researching, understanding and utilizing statutes, regulations and city ordinances
• Coordinating and managing case referrals
  • Identifying cases for advice and representation by unit attorneys
• Working with Housing Counselors to make appointments and ensure that housing counselors are aware of any special needs or circumstances with the tenant’s case
• Working within a team of Eviction Diversion staff to improve the services we provide for this growing program
• Performing other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Working with the Eviction Diversion Hotline is a hands-on, skill-building experience. Previous knowledge of consumer and landlord tenant legal issues is not a requirement for this position. Qualifications include:

• Strong verbal communication and interviewing skills
• Commitment to improving the well-being of low-income communities
• Compassion, understanding, patience, resilience and a talent for working cooperatively with a broad spectrum of people
• Maturity, self-motivation, and ability to adapt quickly
• Prior work or volunteer experience at a non-profit serving low-income clients is preferred
• Spanish language fluency a plus
• Computer literacy including the ability to learn and navigate between online databases

Starting Salary and Benefits

Salary is dependent upon experience, starting at $45,000. PLA offers a generous benefit package in addition to salary: health insurance premiums paid in full for employee and family, cash incentives for health insurance opt out, vacation, personal, and sick leave, thirteen (13) paid holidays, 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution based on years of service, life insurance and short- and long-term disability benefits.

Work Location

PLA’s office is at 718 Arch Street in Philadelphia. Staff may request to work from home up to 3 days per week.

Application Process:

Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds to apply. PLA 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, PLA 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 and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume, short writing sample and references, preferably in one PDF document to: work@philalegal.org.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as the position will be filled as soon as an appropriate candidate is identified.