Supervisor of Housing Rights Project

Queens Legal Services seeks a full-time supervisor (either as Supervising Attorney or Deputy Director) for its Housing Rights Project to start immediately. 

ABOUT US

Founded in 1967, QLS seeks equal access to justice for all low-income residents of Queens through a range of legal advocacy, education, and community partnerships. We provide free legal counseling, representation, and referrals in civil matters involving the essentials of life including housing, public and disability benefits, domestic violence prevention, consumer and homeowner protections, access to education, and employment rights to eligible low-income individuals and families. We work with our clients and partners to identify and address root causes for systemic inequalities in Queens and throughout New York City. 

We provide civil legal services from our office in Jamaica, Queens. We are part of a network of local programs that make up Legal Services NYC, the largest free civil legal services provider in the United States.

THE POSITION

The Supervisor will join a vibrant practice in the heart of Southeast Queens, serving low-income tenants throughout the borough. We are looking for a candidate who is excited to work in a fast-paced environment on housing-related matters, including landlord/tenant actions, eviction defense, and affirmative litigation on behalf of tenants. Responsibilities include directly supervising several housing attorneys and staff, representing clients in the full range of housing matters handled by the HRP, and supporting its day-to-day functioning. 

The Supervisor will oversee a committed team of attorneys and staff representing low-income and elderly Queens residents in housing matters and will be expected to work closely with tenant organizers, tenant associations, and community partners to identify and address housing needs. The attorney will work closely with the Housing Unit Director and other Supervisors to shape the direction of the HRP, develop and strengthen relationships with partner community-based organizations handle administrative and grant responsibilities, and identify systemic housing-related trends that could be affected by strategic litigation. The Supervisor will be expected to oversee and conduct weekly, evening, and weekend outreach and off-site intake with our partners. S/he will also be expected to support litigation and advocacy on a range of issues, coordinate building-wide and community-based litigation, and organize community education outreach and related initiatives.

The attorney will supervise regular appearances in civil, supreme, and federal court and administrative proceedings, review draft pleadings, motions, and court submissions, and support the filing of affirmative cases on behalf of tenants and tenant groups.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

We seek an attorney admitted to the New York State Bar with:

• A demonstrated passion for social justice and commitment to working with immigrant communities, communities of color, and low-income communities to advance equity;

• Excellent analytical, research, and writing skills;

• Demonstrated experience with housing advocacy;

• Demonstrated experience supervising legal work (preferred);

• Strong interpersonal, communication, time management, and organizational skills; Enthusiasm   for   and   experience   developing   partnerships   with   community -based advocates and organizations;

• A facility working with software technology and proficiency in the entire MS Office suite;

• Experience with LegalServer or other case management systems (preferred); 

LSNYC offers a competitive benefits package with: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, Medical and Dependent care FSA, retirement 403(b), First Reliance life insurance, and commuter benefits program, ect.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, two recent writing samples, and the names of three references with the Subject Line: “Housing Supervisor” to jobs@queenslegalservices.org. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls, please.

QLS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to race, gender, and economic justice in our work and within our workplace. People of color, women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, and people over the age of 40 are welcome and encouraged to apply.

All employees are strongly encouraged to continue to receive and maintain up-to-date COVID vaccinations unless they are unable to for medical or religious reasons.

Job#45_2024; Posted 4.2024

Salary Range Based on Years of Experience:

• Supervising Attorney: $103,200 - $165,120

• Deputy Director: $115,584 - $183,696