Legal Assistant

The Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) seeks a qualified individual for the full-time position of Legal Assistant.  The deadline to submit applications is Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Position Description

 

The Legal Assistant provides a broad range of administrative support to the Legal Department, which includes case management, data entry, the preparation of correspondence, and other technical support as required to ensure the smooth operation of the department.   

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

 

The statements contained herein reflect general details of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  The individual may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relieve others, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

 

1. Prepares and files summonses, which includes detainer warrants, subpoenas, and writs of execution and garnishment; establishes and organizes case files (in both physical and digital formats); tracks case outcomes and generates status reports.
2. Assembles court materials for weekly detainer docket; assists Legal Counsel in court, as needed; prepares exhibits for case presentation.
3. Screens and directs incoming phone calls, emails, and letters.
4. Processes invoices and notarizes documents.
5. Corresponds with CHA employees/residents/voucher participants, opposing parties, and court clerks; secures the services of interpreters/translators, as needed.
6. Secures supplies and equipment for the department.
7. Arranges appointments/training for the Legal Counsel, as requested.
8. Updates job knowledge through participation in educational opportunities.
9. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the CHA Board, employees, residents, participants, landlords (as applicable), contractors, as well as city, state, and federal officials and works harmoniously with community stakeholders.
10. Exhibits and encourages behaviors that uphold CHA’s core values.
11. Keeps abreast of HUD, federal, state, and local rules and regulations impacting assigned programs and makes recommendations to the Executive Director.
12. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the CHA Board, employees, residents, participants, landlords (as applicable), contractors, as well as city, state, and federal officials and works harmoniously with community stakeholders.
13. Attends and/or participates in various meetings related to the CHA as required. Reports consistently to assigned work location(s) in accordance with established work schedule.  Must be reliable.
14. Provides outstanding customer service by responding to phone calls, emails, and written correspondence in a timely, efficient, and appropriate manner.
15. Handles confidential matters with discretion.
16. Performs other duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

 

1. Ability to communicate with people from a broad range of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
2. Ability to operate commonly used office equipment, especially the use of personal computers for word processing and spreadsheet applications, scanners, and copiers.
3. Strong interpersonal skills and effective communication ability, both orally and in writing.
4. Ability to work independently and in-group settings and use sound judgment in decision-making and problem solving.
5. Demonstrated ability to prepare professional and technical reports, board resolutions and other documents.

 

Minimum Education, Training, and/or Experience

 

1. A high school diploma/GED is required and graduation from an accredited college or university is preferred.
2. One to three years’ administrative support experience in a law firm, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which, in the sole determination of the CHA, provides the required knowledge and abilities.
3. Excellent writing and communication skills required.

Physical/Mental Requirements

 

1. Level of manual dexterity sufficient to allow for operation of office equipment.
2. Ability to move, handle, or lift small objects around desk area.

 

Special Requirements

 

1. Must possess a valid driver's license, have reliable transportation and be insurable under CHA’s automobile insurance, if required to drive an automobile by CHA.
2. Criminal background checks and drug screening will be performed.
3. Demonstrated proficiency at Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

The CHA does not unlawfully discriminate in hiring or in any of the terms or conditions of employment because of an individual’s race, age, religion, gender, pregnancy or conditions related to pregnancy, national origin, creed, color, military service or veteran status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic that is protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.