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Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida

Paralegal Senior Law Eviction Prevention Program

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida See More Job Openings by This EmployerArrow
  • Full Time
  • $42,000 - $50,000/year
  • Plantation, FL
November 20, 2024 Paralegal Landlord Tenant Law

Job Description

Full-time
Description

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida, Inc. (CCLA) established in 2003 is a Legal Services Corporation (LSC) funded, non-profit organization. CCLA provides free civil legal services to low-income and otherwise eligible residents of Broward County and is located in Plantation, Florida, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale.  Our mission is to provide equal justice to underserved communities through quality and innovative free civil legal aid. CCLA provides legal advocacy for marginalized individuals in our community, helping thousands of economically disadvantaged residents to gain greater access to justice and much-needed legal assistance to remove barriers to a healthy and stable life. 


CCLA provides legal assistance in the areas of Family Law & Victims of Crime, Economic Advocacy & Community Health (public benefits), and Senior Law for people age 60 and older. At CCLA, we believe all individuals are entitled to quality civil legal representation and equal access to justice, regardless of their income. CCLA’s vision is a community where everyone has the legal resources to thrive.


CCLA is currently seeking a hardworking, compassionate Paralegal to work in our Broward Senior Eviction Prevention Program (BSEPP). The Paralegal will work closely with the Senior Law Unit Director, Supervising Attorney, and other Unit Attorneys to provide vital legal assistance to seniors aged 60 and over who are facing eviction. The Paralegal will be involved in all phases of eviction defense, from initial client interviews to final case resolution, ensuring that each senior receives the help they need to understand their rights, remain stably housed, and prevent homelessness. 


The Paralegal will play a key role in managing the documentation and procedural aspects of the case, helping clients complete necessary forms, gathering relevant documents, and preparing for court proceedings. Working directly with clients to ensure they understand their rights and options, assist in drafting court pleadings, and conduct legal research to support attorneys in developing case strategies. The Paralegal will also help conduct outreach with community partners, organizations, and housing authorities to connect with seniors in need.


Position Duties:

  • Client Assistance: Under the supervision of an attorney, provides legal assistance to seniors in understanding their rights and options in eviction-related matters, such as evictions for non-payment of rent, lease violations, non-renewal of lease, and holdover tenancies.
  • Case Management: Helps manage eviction cases through CCLA’s case management system. This includes drafting detailed case notes, maintaining and organizing client documents (such as leases, rental receipts, and notices), entering daily timekeeping, monitoring deadlines, and ensuring all necessary information is recorded accurately.
  • Client and Stakeholder Communication: Regularly and timely communicate with senior clients, both in-person and through phone and email, to provides updates and answers questions about their eviction cases, ensuring they understand the status of their case. Liaison with local agencies, community partners, housing authorities, and other senior service providers to coordinate comprehensive support for seniors facing eviction.
  • Legal Document Review and Preparation: Requests, reviews, and analyzes key legal documents related to eviction cases, including leases, rent receipts, ledgers, eviction complaints, and notices from landlords. Assists attorneys in preparing eviction defenses by drafting motions, pleadings, affidavits, and notices as needed.
  • Client Application and Form Assistance: Assists clients in completing various legal forms, such as those required for eviction defense, rent assistance applications, and court filings. Helps clients understand the forms and ensure all necessary information is properly submitted.
  • E-filing and Court Document Submission: Files legal documents through the Florida e-filing portal, ensuring timely submission of pleadings, motions, and other required paperwork. Handles copying, faxing, and other administrative duties related to document submission.
  • Case Review and Collaboration: Participates in regular case review meetings with the supervising attorney and other case handlers to assess progress and develop strategies for defending eviction cases. Provides substantive input based on document review and client interactions.
  • Legal Research: Conducts legal research related to Florida eviction laws, tenant’s rights, federally subsidized housing regulations, and relevant case law. Supports attorneys in formulating strong legal arguments by gathering and summarizing information on landlord-tenant statutes and defenses.
  • Grant Compliance and Reporting: Maintains accurate data related to cases handled under the Broward Senior Eviction Prevention Program (BSEPP). Generates reports for grantors and funders, ensuring compliance with program requirements and tracking service outcomes for seniors facing eviction.
  • Community Outreach and Education: Performs outreach efforts to raise awareness about eviction prevention services, both in-person and through virtual events and social media. Conducts educational workshops and trainings for clients, staff, and community partners on tenant rights, eviction defense strategies, and available resources.
  • Grant and Program Requirements: Ensures compliance with all program and grant-specific requirements, documenting activities and outcomes as needed to meet the expectations of funders and stakeholders.
  • Performs other duties as requested by Management, Supervisors, or as required by grant(s).

Position Requirements:

  • Candidates with Bachelor’s degree preferred. Applicants with Associate’s degree and/or paralegal certificate are acceptable. Relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of educational requirements.
  • 2 to 5 years of paralegal or landlord-tenant law experience preferred. 
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal case management software.
  • Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong written and verbal skills.
  • Detail-oriented.
  • Must have the ability to multitask, work efficiently and independently with supervision.
  • Professional demeanor and client-oriented focus.
  • A commitment and passion for working with the low-income community.
  • Due to funder requirements, all candidates must pass a background check before employment begins. 

Here at CCLA we offer our employees an outstanding and generous benefits package, which includes medical, vision, dental (100% employer paid for individual coverage), life, short-term, long-term disability insurance (100% employer paid coverage), supplemental insurance, and a 403(b) plan (tax-sheltered annuity plan) with an employer contribution.


Additionally, CCLA offers substantial discounts on gym memberships, parks, travel, pet insurance, and more, contributing to our employees' overall well-being.


CCLA is very proud of our work-life balance by giving our employees a substantial paid time off package which includes, vacation, sick leave and over 12 holidays a year. At CCLA we offer our employees (non-probationary) a more flexible work schedule by temporarily working a hybrid schedule 2 days in the office and 3 days working remotely. 


At CCLA, we foster a positive and supportive work environment where we work hard to provide exceptional service to our community. The work is both challenging and rewarding, and we take pride in the commitment and dedication of our team.


For more information about CCLA, please visit our website at www.coasttocoastlegalaid.org.


CCLA is proud of our diversity. CCLA is an equal opportunity employer and provider. 

Salary
  • $42,000 - $50,000/year


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