Job Title: Support Staff, Housing Justice Project Expansion & Right to Counsel
Job Type: Full-time
Salary & Benefits: Salary DOE (grant funded), medical/dental available
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Start Date: July 1, 2021, or prior
Mission Statement
Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers (TPB) is a nonprofit organization providing clients with legal representation, self-help materials, and paralegal support to combat systemic inequality and racism by ensuring meaningful access to justice for low-income individuals who have civil legal needs in Pierce County, Washington.
Nature of Work
The HJP is a specific program under TPB. Eviction and other housing-related issues are among the most-often identified civil legal need in Pierce County. Washington state recently signed into law Senate Bill 5160 and became the first state to implement a right to counsel for indigent tenants in unlawful detainer proceedings. Pierce County also recently funded a program to increase eviction prevention services throughout the county. In response to this new law and funding, TPB is increasing its number of HJP staff.
The HJP Support Staff will work with TPB staff and volunteers to provide professional, client-centered representation to low-income individuals facing eviction hearings and other various housing-related issues in Pierce County Superior Court. The HJP Managing Attorney supervises HJP Staff Attorneys, and the HJP staff provides direct support for the attorney positions.
Essential HJP Paralegal Functions
• Conduct client intake.
• Develop and deliver outreach programs to traditionally marginalized communities throughout Pierce County.
• Participate in the training and support of HJP volunteer attorneys.
• Develop and maintain relationships with opposing counsel, the court, and the community.
• Participate in specialized legal clinics, know your rights presentations, and other formal and informal opportunities for low-income tenants to access legal advice and representation; make referrals to other TPB clinics and programs and other organizations to ensure low- income tenants have holistic access to legal representation and client services for all legal needs.
• Use, participate in, and cooperate with other programs operated by TPB to improve existing legal services, including, but not limited to, the TPB VOCA (Victims of Crime Act)-funded Staff Attorney and paralegal follow-up program.
• Check/maintain potential client contact.
• Set-up, organize and maintain client files in legal server.
• Add attorney time and HJP outcomes to client files.
• Perform administrative functions for office, and at court, by scanning and filing documents into the client’s legal server file; perform word processing functions, perform filing, e-filing, service, working copies and calendar deadlines.
• Maintain relevant resources and update quarterly.
• Continue to expand legal knowledge in all areas, specifically related to tenant rights.
• Provide support for community outreach events.
• Work on special projects as assigned.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.
Office & Courthouse
• Provide clients with relevant resources and packets (small claims, limited dissemination, stay/vacate)
• Provide court support for clients
• Provide administrative support for volunteer attorneys.
Other
• Work with community partners such as Tacoma Housing Authority, Pierce County Housing Authority, and MDC.
• Attend various community homeless prevention events.
• Attend training, as necessary.
• Arranging and coordinating optional HJP-related volunteer attorney out-of-court functions.
Experience and Qualifications
• Knowledge of Washington housing law, or a commitment to learn this specialized field.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with low-income clients, individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds, survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, or individuals from historically marginalized and oppressed communities.
• Established commitment to providing legal assistance to low-income clients.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and LegalServer or other case management software.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described above are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time; interact with computer screens and manipulate essential computer components (i.e., mouse and keyboard). Mobility around the office, and abilities to bend/stoop, push/pull, and perform unassisted lifting consistent with the job duties are required.
To Apply
For consideration, submit a letter of interest, resume, and 3 professional references to Carly Roberts, Executive Director, at carly@tacomaprobono.org.
Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetics, disability, veteran status, citizenship or immigration status. In addition to federal law requirements, Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.