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JOB TITLE: Paralegal, 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 paralegal 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 $51,500 plus experience credit if applicable.
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.
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 age 60 years and older, people with disabilities, and otherwise disenfranchised individuals living in the communities we serve. MWLS’ Housing Unit advises and represents people in their housing matters. Priority is given to tenants residing in affordable housing and those with housing subsidies. MWLS seeks a paralegal who will work to support the Housing Unit in all aspects of this program. MWLS is committed to providing a welcoming, equitable and inclusive workplace and encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds to apply for positions.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Provide on-going case management to clients in their housing matters including eviction cases, applications for subsidies and subsidy terminations, and requests for reasonable accommodation.
· Provide ongoing case management support to the Housing Unit by monitoring court dockets, updating the electronic case management system, and serving as a point of contact for clients.
· Assist with the Housing Unit intake process by conducting detailed client interviews, collecting client documents and, under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney, identifying clients’ next steps in the legal process.
· Share resources with clients about the eviction process in Massachusetts, tenants’ rights and other housing information.
· Assist clients in their applications for rental assistance and other services in order to stabilize their housing.
· 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.
REQUIRED: Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree or Paralegal Certificate are preferred.
· 0-3 years of relevant work experience providing paralegal support in a legal aid office preferred.
· Spoken fluency in Spanish or Portuguese is strongly preferred. Language competencies will be tested during the interview process.
· Some knowledge of Housing (Landlord/Tenant) law preferred.
· Commitment to race equity, anti-racism and economic justice in the workplace and in the provision of legal services.
· Demonstrated commitment and/or experience working with individuals who may have experienced poverty, trauma or discrimination, or possess lived experience in these areas.
· Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally with clients, community partners and other stakeholders.
· Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team; flexible and adaptable.
· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and deadlines; ability to manage a large caseload in a fast-paced environment.
· Experience and comfort working with electronic case management systems and other technologies.
· Ability to travel throughout the MWLS service area and to occasional statewide events.
