Shelter Paralegal, Housing Unit – GBLS

Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Accessible Employer and strives to ensure that our staff members reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

 

GBLS seeks an individual for a Shelter Paralegal position in the Housing Unit.

This position involves working with homeless families with children and/or families at risk of becoming homeless who require emergency shelter assistance (EA) as well as families occupying EA shelter and whose benefits are being terminated. Responsibilities include assisting homeless families to overcome denial of EA shelter eligibility, assisting families with preservation of their shelter benefits, and assisting families with a disabled household member to obtain necessary disability related accommodations.

Qualified candidates should be able to work quickly given that requests for assistance are received on an on-going emergency basis and may require swift turn-around.  Applicants must be able to address families in crisis including conducting interviews and communicate well on sensitive topics.  Additionally, applicants should possess strong advocacy skills that include the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing.  Candidate must be able to engage with attorneys and state agencies to represent families in administrative hearings and informal negotiations, as well as participating in systemic advocacy and outreach with community & coalition groups, including legislative & regulatory review & comment.

Candidates must have the ability to investigate and assess requests for assistance including the ability to spot relevant issues and evaluate for merit and the ability to interpret and apply legal statutes, regulations, and sub-regulatory guidance. Knowledge of the state’s Emergency Shelter System as well as its corresponding statutes and regulations and knowledge and understanding of Massachusetts’ eviction proceedings is preferred.  Written and oral fluency in Spanish or another language spoken by GBLS’ clients is preferred but not required.

Salary is based on a union scale with an expected (subject to ratification of the union contract) salary range of $45,500 for a paralegal with 0-3 years of experience. GBLS offers a generous benefits package, retirement contribution, and generous PTO (paid time off) leave.

To Apply:

Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and brief writing sample to the Human Resources Team via e-mail at jobs@gbls.org. Please refer to the Job Code: HU-PARA when applying for this position. Deadline is March 14, 2023, or until position is filled.

GBLS values diversity and encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.