Overview
Part-time position starting at $36.23 – $40.30/hr (D.O.E)
Program Description
The Tenant Law Center (TLC) is a homelessness prevention program that offers free legal assistance to qualifying low income households in the City of Seattle and limited services throughout King County with matters related to eviction, subsidy termination, landlord/tenant issues, and credit issues related to past tenancies.
Position Description
This position will provide legal assistance on the King County Tenant Rights Hotline. This position will answer live calls from renters in King County from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will provide 2 hours of pro se self-help support to renters, case managers, tenant education counselors and TLC paralegals.
The Intake Staff Attorney will also assist with developing pro se self-help materials that can be transcribed into other languages to support renters taking action to enforce their right under the Residential Landlord Tenant Act, Federal Housing Act, and local housing code. The attorney must be committed to providing equitable and culturally competent services.
Responsibilities
Client Representation:
- Provide Counsel and Advice to renters calling the Tenant Rights Hotline, Mon-Fri, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Draft pro se self-help documents for renters, draft SMS text messages for outreach and advocacy on the hotline and other support as needed to help renters take one action towards staying housed.
- Help renters file complaints with administrative agencies, to local code enforcement agencies enforcing fair housing or RLTA.
- Utilize expertise in residential landlord-tenant and subsidized housing law.
- Refer potential cases to case acceptance for representation to tenants with an eviction notice or a housing subsidy termination.
- This position will only provide limited representation beyond writing demand letters, filing complaint.
- Perform all duties in compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Caseload Management:
- Maintain thorough case notes in LegalServer for all client and prospective client contacts.
- Track deadlines and ensure that cases are handled in a timely manner.
- Participate in screening and referrals for tenants requesting services.
- Consult with Directing Attorney regarding representation of cases beyond services provided in a counsel and advice.
- Participate in weekly case acceptance/review meetings.
Training and Outreach:
- Respond to inquiries about housing matters from community partners and social service case workers.
- Develop pro se self-help materials for renters and help get them translated for non-English speaking/reading renters in King County.
Community Advocacy:
- Participate in wide range of advocacy activities such as testifying at community meetings, legislative hearings, etc.
- Participate in work groups and task forces.
- Participate in stakeholder meetings to increase rights and protections of tenants.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Active Washington State Bar Membership.
- Demonstrated commitment to serve low income populations
- One year experience as an attorney or Rule 9 intern representing tenants in eviction matters.
- Excellent written communication skills
- Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in multi-cultural situations.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
- Committed to working within the mission, goals, and values of Catholic Community Services.
- Applicant must successfully pass required background clearances prior to an offer of employment.
- Ability to travel within King County; must have valid driver’s license, insurance, and access to reliable transportation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Fluency in another language common to the community served.
- More than one year as an attorney or Rule 9 intern representing tenants in eviction matters.
- Experience with Legal Server or other legal case management database software.
- Demonstrated commitment to race equity work.
To apply: Please complete submit a cover letter and resume along with completing the online CCS application process. This position will remain open until filled.
Note to Internal Candidates: HR reviews internal compensation and determines any increase based on their experience and also agency internal equity factors.