Full-Time Housing & Shelter Paralegal
Job Description
GBLS is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Accessible Employer and strives to ensure that our staff members reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
Greater Boston Legal Services seeks an individual for a Paralegal position in the Housing Unit.
The position involves advising and representing individuals and families referred by Rosie’s Place to Greater Boston Legal Services to assist them with administrative law issues arising from issues with the housing authority or management company that administers their voucher or subsidy. The issues will commonly involve rent calculations, requests for transfer, reasonable accommodations, and will at times include representing tenants at administrative hearings.
This position also involves working with homeless families with children and/or families at risk of becoming homeless who require emergency shelter assistance (EA) as well as families occupying EA shelter and whose benefits are being terminated. Responsibilities include assisting homeless families to overcome denial of EA shelter eligibility, assisting families with preservation of their shelter benefits, and assisting families with a disabled household member to obtain necessary disability related accommodations.
Qualified candidates should be able to work quickly given that requests for assistance are received on an on-going emergency basis and may require swift turn-around. Applicants must be able to address families in crisis. Additionally, applicants should possess strong advocacy skills that include the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing.
Written and oral fluency in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, or another language spoken by GBLS’ clients is helpful, but not required.
Candidate must be able to engage with attorneys and state agencies to represent families in administrative hearings and informal negotiations, as well as participating in systemic advocacy and outreach with community & coalition groups, including legislative & regulatory review & comment. Position will involve some work directly on-site with Rosie’s Place.
Salary is based on a union scale, with a projection of starting salary between $41,500 to $46,500 based on the number of years of experience. GBLS offers a generous benefits package, retirement contribution, and generous Paid Time Off (PTO) leave.
GBLS encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
How to Apply
Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample to the Human Resources Team, via e-mail at jobs@gbls.org. Please refer to the Job Code: HU-PARA when applying for this position. Deadline for application is October 31, 2021, or until position is filled.370 total views, 0 today