Paralegal Case Manager Position

The Housing Rights Center (“HRC”) is seeking a Paralegal Case Manager for the Eviction Prevention (“EP”) Team to serve Los Angeles County residents by assisting tenants in maintaining their housing.

HRC’s EP Team is part of StayHoused LA (“SHLA”), which is comprised of several legal service providers and community-based organizations in Los Angeles County. As part of SHLA, the EP Team provides full-scope (pre-eviction) representation to tenants to resolve landlord-tenant disputes before an unlawful detainer is filed by attempting to secure rental assistance. In addition, the EP Team also holds workshops and clinics to support SHLA’s outreach and education goals.

The Paralegal Case Manager’s main duties are to provide tenants help in applying for rental assistance through SHLA’s rental assistance programs, which includes communicating and convincing their landlords to participate in the program. Paralegal Case Managers will also prepare and complete required documents to submit rental assistance applications for approval. In addition, the Paralegal Case Manager will need to prepare responsive forms, assist in preparing landlord-tenant related documents, negotiate and mediate with landlords on housing issues (under the supervision of an attorney).Additional duties include staffing EP Team workshops/clinics, providing support as-needed for walk-in services, providing limited-scope legal assistance under the supervision of an attorney, and completing monthly reporting. This is a full-time temporary position that may transition to permanent full-time*.

• This position is part of a special program created using designated funds. There is no assurance of ongoing funding or employment beyond June 31, 2025.

BACKGROUND:

HRC’s mission is to actively support and promote fair housing through education and advocacy, to the end that all persons have the opportunity to secure the housing they desire and can afford, without discrimination based on their race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, familial status, marital status, disability, ancestry, age, source of income, or other characteristics protected by law. HRC serves L.A. City and County parts of Ventura County.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interview clients and provide them information on various legal issues;
• Determine whether tenants will be eligible for rental assistance (with attorney guidance);
• Communicate with landlords to determine willingness to participate in the program;
• Possible negotiations and mediation with landlords and tenants;
• Counsel tenants regarding their legal rights and responsibilities (with attorney guidance);
• Participate in clinics and other community outreach projects, including in-person attendance at clinics at HRC’s Los Angeles office (currently held on Wednesdays);
• Work hybrid two-three (2-3) days a week in-office at HRC’s Los Angeles locations (Koreatown or Pasadena), and ability to travel to provide services;
• Provide limited-scope legal services to tenants, under the supervision of an attorney;
• Provide back-up support to HRC’s Housing Counseling team with walk-ins services;
• Set clear expectations of scope of assistance to tenants;
• Timely complete data-entry necessary for reporting and time-keeping purposes;
• Maintain organized and up-to-date case folders for all assigned cases;
• Be part of team that works on fair housing (discrimination) complaints throughout So. California;
  • Draft court pleadings and other landlord-tenant documents, as needed, under the supervision of an attorney;
  • Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A demonstrated sincere interest in helping others;
• Experience in interviewing and assisting low-income communities;
• Strong people and customer service skills and experience;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Good problem-solving skills and proactive communication;
• Ability to adjust to new information or changes in processes;
• Reliable, punctual, organized and detail-oriented;
• Computer literate, especially use of Microsoft suite;
• Ability to be flexible in job duties;
• Bi- or multi- language ability preferred, but not required;
• Experience in providing trauma-informed assistance preferred;
• Knowledge of landlord/tenant laws preferred but HRC can provide training;
• Previous experience as a paralegal or relevant equivalent experience preferred, but not required;

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary range starting at $55,000 to $60,000, depending on experience. HRC offers an excellent benefits package including health, vision, and dental insurance. A 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution is available after one year of employment. A generous paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave package is also provided.

APPLICATIONS:

Please e-mail or mail a resume AND cover letter (no phone calls, please) describing your interest and qualifications to:

Stephanie Chandler, Directing Attorney of Eviction Prevention

E-mail: Schandler@housingrightscenter.org

Mail: Housing Rights Center, 3255 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1150, Los Angeles, CA 90010

We will begin reviewing applications starting December 2, 2024. Priority will be given to applications submitted before this date.This posting will remain open until the position has been filled.

The Housing Rights Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer