Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) seeks to immediately hire a full-time paralegal to work with low-income Philadelphia residents in danger of losing their homes. This is a temporary position for one year.
Background
PLA provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families in Philadelphia. For Philadelphia residents who are low-income, elderly, or disabled, our legal assistance is often crucial to protecting their homes, their children, their safety, and their livelihood.
PLA operates the “Save Your Home Philly” Hotline, a central point of contact for Philadelphia homeowners at risk of losing their homes. The lawyers and paralegals at PLA work in close collaboration with Community Legal Services, Philadelphia VIP, and a network of housing counselors to assist homeowners in navigating the legal system, understanding and safeguarding their rights, and avoiding homelessness. The Hotline is a critical piece of the network of services available in Philadelphia for low-income homeowners to preserve neighborhood and family stability by remaining in their homes. Hotline paralegals play a direct role in obtaining affordable housing costs for low-income homeowners.
Responsibilities
A successful candidate will have a variety of responsibilities as part of a team of attorneys and paralegals, including:
• Interviewing and advising clients faced with mortgage and tax problems, both in person and over the phone
• Evaluating a client’s situation and making appropriate referrals
• Advocating for clients with mortgage companies and taxing authorities in writing as well as over the phone
• Researching, understanding and utilizing statues, regulations and city ordinances
• Coordinating and managing case referrals
• Tracking policy developments and disseminating new information to other paralegals on the team
• Providing litigation support to housing unit attorneys
• Proposing and supporting loan modification agreements
Responsibilities
A successful candidate will have a variety of responsibilities as part of a team of attorneys and paralegals, including:
• Interviewing and advising clients faced with mortgage and tax problems, both in person and over the phone
• Evaluating a client’s situation and making appropriate referrals
• Advocating for clients with mortgage companies and taxing authorities in writing as well as over the phone
• Researching, understanding and utilizing statues, regulations and city ordinances
• Coordinating and managing case referrals
• Tracking policy developments and disseminating new information to other paralegals on the team
• Providing litigation support to housing unit attorneys
• Proposing and supporting loan modification agreements
Qualifications
Working with “Save Your Home Philly” is a hands-on, skill-building experience. Previous knowledge of consumer and homeownership legal issues is not a requirement for this position. Qualifications include:
• Strong communication and interviewing skills
• Commitment to improving the well-being of low-income communities
• Compassion, understanding, patience, and a talent for working cooperatively with a broad spectrum of people
PLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should forward a resume and cover letter via regular mail, email, or fax to:
Hiring Committee
Philadelphia Legal Assistance
718 Arch Street, Suite 300N
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 215-981-3800
Fax: 215-981-3860
[email protected]