Eviction Diversion Paralegal (2)

Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) is hiring two full-time paralegals to work with low-income Philadelphia tenants in danger of losing their homes. The expected start date is mid-June.

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 well-regarded Eviction Diversion Program. Philadelphia’s Eviction Diversion program is a mediation program that 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 lawyers and paralegals at PLA work in close collaboration with other non-profit law programs such as Community Legal Services and Cora Good Shepherd Mediation as well as 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 remain in their homes.

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
• Scheduling Housing Counselor appointments
• Working with Housing Counselors to ensure they are aware of any special needs or circumstances of tenants.
• Providing information about the Eviction Diversion Program to tenants entering the program
• Assisting tenants directly in mediation, or helping tenants who need support to negotiate with landlords
• Working within a team of Eviction Diversion staff to improve the services we provide
• Evaluating a tenant’s situation and making appropriate referrals to other PLA units or to outside organizations
• Researching, understanding, and using statutes, regulations and city ordinances
• Identifying cases for representation by unit attorneys and referring appropriately
• Screening tenants for eligibility and performing intake
• Conducting outreach and education about the Eviction Diversion Program and tenant rights
• 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
• The ability to work effectively under stress and especially with clients or potential clients in high-stress states
• Maturity, self-motivation, flexibility, and the ability to adapt quickly
• Prior work or volunteer experience at a non-profit serving low-income clients is preferred
• Spanish or other language fluency a plus
• Computer literacy, including the ability to learn and navigate between online databases

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.

PLA offers a generous benefits 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; life insurance; and short- and long-term disability benefits.

Spanish or other language fluency a plus