Job description

The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County's Fair Housing Project provides community outreach, education, advocacy and enforcement activities with regard to fair housing laws to ensure that no one in Palm Beach, Martin, Okeechobee, Hendry and St. Lucie Counties is denied housing on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, handicap, familial status, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or gender identity and expression.

Job Summary

The Fair Housing Project staff attorney position involves a high degree of professionalism, advocacy, compassion, independence, and personal initiative. The successful candidate will provide a full range of high-quality legal services to individual clients and to client groups, including representation and administrative proceedings.

The attorney will practice in state and federal courts as well as before administrative agencies on behalf of victims of housing discrimination. Conducts civil lawsuits, draws up legal documents, advises clients as to legal rights, and practices other phases of fair housing law. Assists the Project Director with the implementation of a local and regional fair housing enforcement program.

The work schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening or weekend work. Travel in Palm Beach, Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie and Hendry counties required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represents clients before administrative and judicial tribunals in a full range of civil legal matters.
• Conducts interviews of clients at the office, at outreach events or through virtual platforms.
• Investigates and develops cases, including conducting necessary interviews and consulting appropriate agencies and resources.
• Counsels and advises clients in legal matters.
• Negotiates on behalf of clients.
• Drafts letters, memos, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents and written materials.
• Manages grant deliverables and reporting requirements as required.
• Analyzes facts divulged by clients to identify legal issues presented and make appropriate referrals.
• Performs legal research and remains current on new developments in the law which affects clients.
• Oversees the fair housing testing program.
• Conducts site visits to properties being investigated and collect documents.
• Maintains accurate and complete records and files regarding cases.
• Makes referrals and follows up referrals of clients to appropriate alternative or additional sources of assistance.
• Develops and maintains relationships with social service agencies.
• Plans and participates in Fair Housing Month Activities.
• Provides community trainings on fair housing issues and lending discrimination.
• Assists local funding jurisdictions in fulfilling their obligations to affirmatively further fair housing.
• Serves on community, bar association, and county committees where feasible.
• Attends staff and other meetings in the community as assigned.
• Maintains confidentiality of all information handled.
• Complies with all agency policies and procedures.
• Works with other staff members to form a positive, supportive team atmosphere.
• Must work the days and hours to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks, and be punctual and timely in meeting all performance requirements, including but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines.
• Must maintain courteous, professional and effective working relationships with employees and clients of the organization.
• Assists the Executive Director and/or supervisor with special projects, assignments and any additional duties as deemed appropriate or as needed.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) from A.B.A. accredited law school.
• Member of the Florida Bar.
• Must have 3-5 years legal experience.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Must have a professional attitude and pleasant manner with the public.
• Knowledge of the Florida and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
• Excellent computer and word processing skills. Proficient in using MS Outlook, MS PowerPoint, MS Word, Excel software.
• Experience with a case management system is a plus.
• Experience with community outreach and planning and delivering public presentations.
• Commitment to going above and beyond to meet all contractual deadlines.
• Outstanding project management skills; ability to set priorities, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Working to eradicate housing discrimination and help build inclusive communities through education, outreach, advocacy, and enforcement.
• Must have a demonstrable commitment to understanding the issues of low-income constituents and be able to appreciate and work with a culturally and demographically diverse population.
• Demonstrated commitment to fair housing and civil rights.
• Occasional out of area travel and overnight stays may be required.

SALARY: $60,000 however, commensurate with experience. Full benefits package in addition to salary (health, dental, vision, 401K, disability, life insurance).

APPLICATION PROCESS AND DEADLINE: If you are interested in applying for this position, please send a cover letter and resume by Friday, December 23, 2022.

The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EOE/ADA.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• Florida Bar license (Required)

Work Location: One location

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