Managing Attorney - Housing Stability

Position Summary:

The Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC) Housing Stability Program assists eligible households with eviction prevention and defense to help individuals and families achieve stability in their housing. The program staff consists of Intake Specialists and Attorneys who operate, provide information and handle cases for TLSC’s statewide Eviction Helpline, table in courthouses during eviction dockets, and take referrals from other teams and partners. The team also uses information from its casework to educate and advocate where that can have a positive impact on Texas tenants. 

The Housing Stability Managing Attorney is responsible for the supervision, leadership, training, evaluation, and mentorship of Housing Stability Program staff. The Managing Attorney is also responsible for related operations and grant(s), as well as handling their own caseload. 

The attorney in this position is expected to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards as a member of the State Bar; adhere to the American Bar Association Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid; embrace and support TLSC’s overall mission; and comply with all grant requirements, regulations, standards, policies, and confidentiality requirements.

*This is a grant funded position.

Essential Functions:

· Lead, mentor and motivate staff through strategic thinking and team building.

· Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff.

· Provide legal advice, assistance, referrals, and representation, where applicable, to eligible clients in a compassionate, culturally appropriate, and trauma-informed manner. 

· Ensure program compliance with grant requirements, grant reporting, regulations, standards, policies, and confidentiality requirements, as well as comply with and support internal procedures and personnel policies.

· Cultivate working relationships and coordinate projects, both internally and with other organizations and agencies, to advance programmatic and organizational goals, keeping track of project deadlines and milestones to ensure projects are completed on time and to the highest of standards.

· Lead and assist with statewide education and outreach efforts, including developing, presenting, or participating in training, as requested.

· Participate in state and national task forces and meetings with program staff at other grantee organizations to receive input and to provide technical support to other non-profits.

· Work in the office and around Austin, as well as travelling to locations outside of Austin.

Other Functions: 

· Collaborate with other TLSC managers and senior staff.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies: 

· Current knowledge and expertise of the law and legal system, especially in areas that impact civil law with a preferred background in housing and related areas of the law.

· Proven experience leading, mentoring, and motivating staff.

· Strong time management and attention to detail skills.

· Exceptional listening, writing and oral communications skills. 

· Experience with grant reporting and program compliance.

· Proficiency with Adobe, social media, and Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

· Proficiency with or ability to learn LegalServer (TLSC’s case management system). 

· Ability to work with clients in a patient, trauma informed and non-judgmental manner. 

· Ability to travel to out-of-town locations. 

Education and License (Required):

· J.D. Degree.

· Licensure by the Supreme Court of Texas.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes.