Position Summary
Western Center offers an opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic advocate to join our successful and dedicated team to protect and expand the housing rights of Californians experiencing deep poverty and homelessness, tackle discrimination existing in housing systems and programs, and monitor the implementation of state-level programs. Among the projects intended for this position, the successful candidate will work to improve federal policies and implementation of California state law SB 329 related to federal housing vouchers. In addition, they will support implementation of Los Angeles County and statewide housing and homelessness policies that serve the vulnerable and chronically homeless neighbors through impact litigation. And, in conjunction with the Western Center housing team, this position will work to increase the knowledge of Los Angeles County and California's housing practitioners and nonprofit partners on Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, a federal and state mandate requiring jurisdictions to lift barriers that restrict housing access in order to foster inclusive communities and support racial equity.
We seek a team member who has experience practicing in diverse forums, thrives in a collegial and dynamic team environment, and is committed to addressing race-based inequities. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong interest in fighting for the rights of marginalized low-income people to push for statewide tenant protections and just land use policies.
Accordingly, the ideal candidate will have experience in at least one of the following areas: landlord-tenant, fair housing, redevelopment, federal and state housing programs, tax policies, homelessness, health and safety, building codes and enforcement, mobile homes. It is essential that the candidate understand the intersection of these issues with racial justice.
This position can be based in any of the Western Center offices, with a preference for our Los Angeles office.
Responsibilities
• Advance administrative, regulatory, and policy changes at the local, county, state, and federal levels. Work with teams to implement initiatives, including working with administrative agencies on guidance and training as appropriate.
• Increase the use of emergency housing voucher placements through SB 329 implementation.
• Support the implementation of existing Los Angeles County and statewide housing and homelessness policies that serve vulnerable and chronically homeless neighbors.
• Collaborate with housing team members to identify and develop strategies to ensure that every person has a healthy, affordable, and stable place to live.
• Train and provide technical assistance to Los Angeles County and California housing practitioners and nonprofit partners on Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
• Identify, initiate, conduct, and maintain a caseload of complex affirmative litigation.
• Work with Sacramento policy advocates to help draft, analyze, and implement legislation.
• Provide research and advocacy support through consultation, technical assistance, publications, training, and education, particularly to legal services organizations. Create and disseminate policy analysis and educational materials to our partners.
• Engage with community groups and coalitions of stakeholders. Represent WCLP in various coalitions and boards. Plan and facilitate regional housing policy meetings with advocates.
• Respond to requests for information from public officials, agencies, and the media.
• Some travel, including overnight travel, may be required.
• A commitment to the mission of Western Center, available at www.wclp.org.
• A minimum of nine years’ experience (for Senior Attorney position) or a minimum of five years’ experience (for Staff Attorney position) in litigation or policy advocacy, preferably in California.
• Admitted to practice law in California or willingness to take next California Bar Exam.
• Ability to think creatively, be strategic, and exercise good judgment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships.
• Ability to develop and work in diverse coalitions in which participants may have multiple interests.
• Ability to work in a team setting but independent enough to be able to implement team objectives effectively outside the team setting.
• Ability to work under time pressure.
• Exemplary ethical standards.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with or coming from historically marginalized communities.
• Experience with community-based organizations or nonprofit legal services agencies.
• Knowledge and understanding of California housing, racial justice, and anti-poverty policy.
To promote racial and social justice and achieve our mission, Western Center is committed to maintaining a diverse staff and creating an inclusive and respectful workplace. Western Center strongly encourages applications from persons of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups whose background may contribute to effectively representing low-income people and underserved communities.
Applications received by December 16th will receive priority, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. In your cover letter, please explain how you think your personal and/or professional experience or background has prepared you to contribute to a work environment with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Please email cover letter, resume, two writing samples, and list of references to [email protected].