Spokane HJP Legal Assistant - Resource Coordinator

MISSION

The King County Bar Association promotes and supports a diverse and collegial membership; works with the judiciary to achieve excellence, equity, and accessibility in the administration of justice; and benefits the community through public service and engagement in public policy.

The Housing Justice Project (HJP) is a homelessness prevention program providing accessible, volunteer-based legal services to low-income, residential tenants facing eviction in King and Spokane Counties. Legal assistance is provided through counsel and advice, negotiated settlements, limited representation at Show Cause hearings, and/or referrals depending on tenants’ needs and financial eligibility.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Spokane HJP Legal Assistant/Resource Coordinator will work inside the courthouse to coordinate tenants with eviction defense/right-to-counsel services when tenants arrive at their hearing unrepresented. The Coordinator will also work with other local organizations and nonprofits to refer tenants to resources outside of right-to-counsel and HJP’s scope of representation. The Legal Assistant/Coordinator will also assist with keeping track of deadlines and drafting court documents, and will be the first point of contact for our clients.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Advocacy:

• Must be present at Spokane Superior Courthouse, M-Thu for the 9:00 AM UDA Docket, to help screen and intake tenants for right to counsel representation

• Coordinate intakes for our pre-filing, counsel and advice clinic

• Connect tenants with resources tangential to their tenancy, including:

o Rental assistance

o Utilities assistance

o Relocation assistance

o Code enforcement

o Domestic Violence advocacy

• Coordinate with political leaders and community organizers regarding upcoming events relating to tenant’s rights, such as city council meetings, town hall meetings, fundraisers;

• Support attorneys working on cases, especially nonpayment of rent cases;

• Assemble court filings and other legal materials;

• Provide case management services to HJP clients facing eviction; and

• Other duties as assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Familiarity with court filings and preparing legal paperwork for defending tenants in unlawful detainers;

• Familiarity with Legalserver and client management systems;

• Ability to work on short deadlines and in a fast-paced environment;

• Attention to detail;

• Ability to work with groups and teams;

• Experience working with vulnerable populations experiencing risk of housing loss.

• Ability to track and consistently meet deadlines and multi-task;

• Demonstrated commitment to understanding and addressing issues facing low-income and vulnerable people;

• Strong communication skills;

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people;

• Demonstrated understanding of the impact of race, bias, discrimination, and differential treatment of communities disproportionately composed of Black, Indigenous, and people of color, individuals who identify as LGBTQ or other sexual minorities, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, limited English speaking persons, and others who have been historically marginalized in rental housing markets and in the law and justice system

• Creative problem solving.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficiency with technology including MS Word, Adobe, Airtable, case management systems, Excel, and Outlook

ABOUT KCBA

Founded in 1886, KCBA is a membership legal organization with over 4,700 attorney members, over 75 staff and an annual budget of $10,000,000. As a unionized workplace and an equal opportunity employer, KCBA is committed to upholding an equity and justice-based organizational environment for the public, the client communities it serves, its members, its Boards, its staff and its volunteers. This means the organization actively promotes mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork, and productivity among people who are diverse in work background; lived and professional experience; immigration status and citizenship; education; race and ethnicity; national origin; sexual orientation; age; indigenous group membership; religious preference; marital status; sensory, mental, and physical abilities; social class; gender identity; veteran status, as well as other differences relevant to equity and justice. The resulting diversity is both a source of organizational strength and a matter of fundamental human fairness.

Please note, one of KCBA’s programs supports attorneys working with parents and guardians of at risk children. As a result, certain convictions would make an applicant ineligible. The King County Bar Association requires all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To meet this requirement, all employees must provide proof of vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you need a reasonable accommodation for the application process, have questions regarding eligibility, or have vaccination questions, contact Len Roden at lenr@kcba.org.

POSITION DETAILS

This is a non-exempt full-time position requiring occasional local travel within Spokane County. Salary range is from $63,000 to $65,000 annually. Benefits include employer-paid healthcare, 401k plan with automatic employer contribution, flexible spending account, professional development opportunities, paid vacation and sick leave and more. The position is currently primarily remote; however, some in-person meetings may be required. The position may transition to a hybrid or permanent in-person position subject to changes in office policy.

TO APPLY

Priority will be given to those who apply by 5:00 p.m. May 24, 2024 via email. Make “Spokane HJP Legal Assistant” your subject line and send a letter of interest that addresses any lived or professional experience that would contribute to our advocacy, resume, and three references to: HR@kcba.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $63,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Profit sharing
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person