Greater Boston Legal Services has an opening for a long term temporary staff attorney for 1 year to work in the Housing Unit, focusing on enforcing and expanding the rights of homeless families to shelter. Homelessness places unbearable stress on some of the most vulnerable families in our community, many of whom include individuals with disabilities.
This position will involve individual cases challenging denial or termination of shelter or seeking accommodation of disability-related needs or other rights, as well as participation in ongoing class action litigation and other law reform efforts. The attorney, working as part of the GBLS Shelter team, will use individual cases to promote systemic change. While shelter work will be the primary focus, the attorney also may represent tenants in eviction cases where the family would not be eligible for shelter if evicted, homeless families seeking permanent affordable housing, and families denied or facing loss of housing subsidies, as needed.
The position involves responsibility for client cases including interviews, factual investigation, research and analysis of law, development of written and oral legal arguments, negotiation with agency officials and staff, preparation for and handling of administrative, and court hearings. The position may also include legislative advocacy, policy advocacy, and supervising student and volunteer interns.
Qualifications: One to five years of experience; Experience in housing law, family shelter, litigation and/or negotiation experience preferred. Proficiency in Spanish, Haitian Creole or another language spoken by GBLS’ clients is preferred.
Salary is based on union scale. Generous benefits package, including 100% paid health and dental for full-time employees and student loan repayment assistance plan for eligible attorneys.
Candidates should submit resumes and a brief writing sample to Sonia Marquez, Director of Human Resources via email at [email protected]. Please refer to job code: HU-LTTATT when applying for this position. Deadline is October 18, 2017 or until position is filled.
GBLS is an AA/EO/Handicapped accessible employer committed to diversity in the workforce and regards differences as assets.