Housing Legal Assistant - Help Renters Stay Housed

Montana Legal Services Association; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana Legal Services Association is seeking a Housing Legal Assistant to manage intake for clients, support staff attorneys, and provide pro se assistance under attorney direction. The role prioritizes helping renters stay housed and connecting them with available social services, with statewide scope and dedicated Bozeman support time.

The position requires strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate with partners, volunteers, and staff in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm and commitment to providing high quality legal assistance to low-to-moderate income Montanans.
• Ability to respond to clients in a calm, empathetic and professional manner while courteously directing the conversation to pertinent issues.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work productively in a fast-paced environment with multiple timelines.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple activities and tasks.
• Knowledge and proficiency in utilizing computer software such as MS Excel, MS Word, client database, computer-based research, internet-based project management programs, etc.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to manage projects.
• Ability to travel, occasionally overnight.

Responsibilities

• Process intake applications from housing issues and conduct initial interviews by phone.
• Coordinate communication among applicants, clients, intake navigators and Renter Practice Group regarding case status.
• Coordinate referrals to pro bono attorneys for clients or applicants when appropriate.
• Perform conflict screening, assist applicants with forms and coordinate with intake staff in the gathering of relevant information.
• Scan and upload applications and client documents to MLSA's case management system.
• Draft correspondence and simple pleadings or use appropriate MLSA forms.
• Calendar all case related dates and events.
• Communicate with clients to obtain more information or as requested.
• Provide civil legal education to the client community and to community partners, as requested.
• Collaborate with the City of Bozeman concerning grant requirements.
• Collaborate with Bozeman Tenants United as may be approved by the Supervisor.
• Provide paralegal support to attorneys in ongoing cases.
• File pleadings in local courts (conventional and electronic); investigate, examine and analyze documents obtained from the court files, in discovery and from other sources as needed or requested.
• Coordinate with Clerks of Court, applicants and clients to obtain more information as needed on referrals.
• Assist with clients’ case file management, including organizing and maintaining electronic and paper files.
• Collaborate with communications staff to participate in community outreach and program initiatives as appropriate.
• Assist with general intake, opening and closing legal server files, and assist with data collection when requested.
• Plan meetings (in person, by phone, or by webinar) of MLSA staff, perhaps including community partners.
• Provide overall support to appropriate staff attorneys.
• Assist with intake as needed, including answering incoming HelpLine calls and processing applications from those who seek legal assistance.
• Other duties assigned by supervisor, other housing attorneys, Deputy Director, or the Director of Advocacy.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Multitasking

Travel flexibility

MS Excel

MS Word

Education

Associate’s Degree or equivalent professional experience

Trauma-informed services training

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

Client database

Case management software

Job description

Montana Legal Services Association is seeking a Housing Legal Assistant to manage intake for clients, support staff attorneys, and provide pro se assistance under attorney direction. The role prioritizes helping renters stay housed and connecting them with available social services, with statewide scope and dedicated Bozeman support time.

The position requires strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate with partners, volunteers, and staff in a fast-paced