Fair Housing Paralegal

Be a part of an organization making a difference in the Central Florida community! As an Orlando Business Journal’s 2021 Best Places to Work Honoree, Orlando Sentinel’s 2022 Best Workplaces Honoree, and a SHRM Mental Health Ally, Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice, specifically for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.

CLS offers:

• 15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off
• Excellent physical/mental health, vision, and benefits (With 95% of benefits paid for by company)
• 100% Coverage with Dental Benefits, Life Insurance, Long/Short Term Disability
• 100% 403B match after 1 year of employment (5%)
• CLS pays Bar Dues and CLE Credits
• Student loan reimbursement for Attorneys
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Fantastic work-life balance
• Various opportunities for upward mobility into leadership/more advanced roles
• Pet Insurance
• Wellness Committee dedicated to employee morale, with events such as company wide retreats, activities, and challenges!

CLS is currently searching for a service-minded, mission driven individual to fulfill the following position:

Fair Housing Paralegal

OVERVIEW 

The Paralegal assists the Fair Housing Unit in investigations of housing discrimination, attends community outreach events, and assists unit attorneys throughout the litigation process. The Paralegal is directly supervised by Managing Attorney of Fair Housing Unit or designee.  The Fair Housing Unit combats housing discrimination and conducts outreach in a twelve-county service area in Central Florida.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Initial client contact and intake for complaints of housing discrimination
2. Help determine client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures at the direction of attorneys
3. Assists investigations of claims of housing discrimination in rental, sales, financing, and insuring 
4. Maintains accurate, complete, well-organized case/project records, files, and client activity
5. Answers telephones and refers callers to appropriate staff members, other CLS offices or other agencies, as appropriate
6. Attends events on behalf of the Fair Housing Unit and CLS more generally
7. Attend training and conferences for educational purposes
8. Distribute Fair Housing materials and assist those representing clients throughout the 12-county service area. 
9. Cultivate relationships with community partners for client referrals and to identify opportunities forcommunity involvement
10. Assist in drafting Fair Housing complaints, Federal and State Court filings at the direction of attorneys 
11. Coordinate and manage discovery requests and scheduling at the direction of attorneys
12. May perform legal research including use of computer-based databases, e.g., Lexis and computerized practice Software
13. May participate in the orientation and training of employees
14. Opens mail and provides other clerical services, as necessary 
15. Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS  

1.  Commitment          

a.   Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS

b.   Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity. 

2.  Background and Experience  

1. Must have an Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience. Bilingual (Spanish/English) is preferred.Paralegal degree or certification highly desired.
2. Must demonstrate compassion and commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income clients 
3. Must be a self-motivated and capable of independently managing workload with strict deadlines and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced legal environment with minimal supervision
4. Excellent phone manner and professional customer service ability required, with superior organizational and highly polished communication and writing skills
5. Microsoft Office Suite proficiency required  
6. Ability to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions throughout 12 county service area  
7. Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary to travel on behalf of CLS; possibly working during evenings and weekends

3.  Physical Requirements 

a. Prolonged periods siting at a desk and working on a computer

b.  Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times  

STARTING SALARY: $50,000- more with experience, PLUS 10% BONUS OF OFFERED SALARY.

GENERAL STATEMENT 

CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We value a diverse workforce and the promotion of inclusive culture at all levels. 

CLS does not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant for employment from all qualified individuals on the basis of age, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex, disability, socio-economic position, religion, political belief, protected genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal or State law. 

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.