What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney - Housing Unit, Access to Counsel Project position at MetroWest Legal Services?
Job Type
Full-time
Description
Staff Attorney - Housing Unit, Access to Counsel Project
JOB TITLE : Staff Attorney Housing Unit. Full Time, permanent, exempt, staff position.
SCHEDULE : Monday-Friday, from 9 : 00am-5 : 00pm. Thirty-five (35) hours per week.
REPORTS TO : Advocacy Director
OFFICE LOCATION : 63 Fountain Street, Suite 304, Framingham, MA 01702
HYBRID WORK : The attorney is required to work in-person at least two (2) days a week.
SALARY RANGE : Salary is based on a union scale with a base wage of $73,000 plus experience credit if applicable.
LANGUAGE(S) : In addition to English, candidates who are fluent in either Spanish and / or Portuguese are strongly preferred.
Summary of Position :
Founded in 1976, MetroWest Legal Services provides free civil legal services to protect and advance the rights and the well-being of people living in poverty, people aged 60 years and older, people with disabilities, and otherwise disenfranchised individuals living in the communities we serve. Through its well-established Housing Unit, MWLS provides legal assistance to tenants in their housing matters with priority given to individuals and families at risk of losing their affordable housing or housing subsidies. For this position, MWLS seeks an attorney to represent tenants as part of the new statewide Access to Counsel pilot program that will increase access to housing lawyers for low-income people facing eviction. MWLS is committed to providing a welcoming, equitable and inclusive workplace and encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds to apply for positions.
BENEFITS : Strong benefits package includes generous paid time off leave, 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer match on retirement contributions, travel expense reimbursement plan, a multi-lingual increment for demonstrated language skills, and professional development opportunities.
Requirements
RESPONSIBILITIES :
- Under the state-wide Access to Counsel pilot program, the staff attorney is responsible for providing direct and full representation to tenants facing eviction from housing involving a subsidy in administrative and court proceedings, including hearings before Housing Courts, District Courts, and local housing authorities.
- Draft pleadings and other submissions to the court, assist tenants facing eviction with their applications for rental assistance and requests for reasonable accommodation.
- Maintain individual caseload.
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners also serving communities experiencing poverty and housing instability.
- Contribute to the development and distribution of program materials for the Housing Unit.
- Participate in statewide legal services coalition groups focused on issues related to housing law and access to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
- As needed, provide guidance on housing law to advocates working in other substantive areas at MWLS.
- Maintain current client and case outcome notes and data in MWLS' case management software.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
REQUIRED AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :
REQUIRED : Juris Doctor and admission to the Massachusetts Bar in good standing.
Salary Description
73,000 plus credit depending on experience
Salary : $73,000