Position Summary:
The Colorado Springs Assistant Supervising Housing Attorney works in concert with and reports to the Colorado Springs Managing Attorney to lead and guide a team of attorneys and paralegals that support low-income individuals and families by ensuring housing stability and preventing homelessness. The Assistant Supervising Housing Attorney is the frontline supervisor of a team of no more than eight staff.
Essential Duties:
Lead a team of approximately four staff that may grow to no more than 8 attorneys and paralegals, and work on housing issues in the Colorado Springs Office;
Maintain an active but reduced caseload;
Lead the hiring of team members and assist with hiring members of other teams as needed;
Work with the Colorado Springs Managing Attorney to guide the legal work of the team;
Regularly staff open cases with staff and attorneys;
Oversee and manage staff workloads, client relations, and interpersonal conflict;
Ensure that staff and attorneys timely close cases and review each housing and eviction closed case in the Colorado Springs Office;
Monitor changes in housing law and housing programs;
Conduct legal trainings and prepare and distribute educational materials regarding housing issues;
Work with the Colorado Springs Managing Attorney and Southern Colorado Advocacy Director to identify and litigate potential high-impact cases and appeals;
Assist the Colorado Springs Managing Attorney with coordinating with external partners focused on housing and homelessness work and policy in the greater Pikes Peak Region;
Assist in strategic planning and short- and long-range goal setting for the team;
Assist in staff training, professional development, and performance evaluation;
Alert the Colorado Springs Managing Attorney to potential problems or issues with clients, the work product of staff and attorneys, and quality of work;
In partnership with the Colorado Springs Managing Attorney, make recommendations to Southern Colorado Advocacy Director for performance improvements or disciplinary action consistent with the terms of CLS’ Collective Bargaining Agreement;
Assist with grant management activities as needed, including grant application, administration, and reporting;
Promote an office culture that emphasizes equity, diversity, inclusion, harmony, cohesiveness, work quality, continuous improvement, and excellent customer service;
Complete administrative tasks such as leave request approvals, timesheet review, and reimbursement requests.
Required Qualifications:
Valid license to practice law in the state of Colorado or ability to obtain a Colorado license as soon as practicable;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
Detail-oriented with strong critical thinking and analytical skills;
A strong commitment to advocacy in the public interest and passion for social justice;
A sensitivity to the legal needs of low-income individuals, seniors, individuals with disabilities, minorities, and individuals with limited English proficiency; and
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Preferred Qualifications:
Three or more years’ experience as a legal services attorney, or at a non-profit, governmental agency, or other similar organization;
Prior supervisory or administrative experience with a legal services program or law office;
Experience in housing law from the perspective of a tenant’s attorney;
Experience in housing law matters related to subsidized housing benefits;
Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.