Out Professionals
Back Director of Innovative Housing Initiatives The Legal Aid Society Justice in
Out Professionals, New York, New York, us, 10261
The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Practice hasan opening foraDirectorof Innovative Housing Initiatives, in ourHousing JusticeUnit. TheDirector ofInnovativeHousingInitiativesfor the Housing Justice Helplinewillreport to the Attorney-in-Charge of the Housing Practiceand the Director of Intake.
The Civil Practice’s Housing Justice Helpline provides access to high quality legalassistancevia a live answer phone line open Monday through Friday during business hours. Callers to the helpline receive information, advice, brief services and referralson housing law and related matters for NYC tenants. The program provideslegalassistancewith a broad range of individual tenant legal matters, including but not limited to holdovers & nonpayment proceedings.
The Director will supervise allfacetsofthe helplinework, including Paralegals,theProgram Manager,and Supervising Attorneys. The Director will work collaboratively with the Housing Leadership Group, theHousing Defense teams,theInformation Technology team,theDevelopmentTeamandtheGrants and Contracts teams.The Director is involved in all aspects of the day-to-day operations,mentors new and experienced supervising attorneys, coordinates grantprojects,andparticipates with other staff in prioritizing legal issues.The Director willbe responsible foridentifying, evaluating,maintaining, and pursuing opportunities to integratetechnologysystems, including the use of AI, to support and enhance the services provided to the community.The Directorparticipatesin Practice-wide management discussions and decision-making.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Program Management
Coordinate intake and advice/brief representation provided to callers
Monitor and maintain a high standard of client service
Support the development, funding, implementation and reporting of programs
Oversee the use of AI-driven tools and other related technologies to enhance the intake process
Respond to client, community, and staff concerns
Evaluate the project’s needs and identify necessary resources to address the needs
Support the maintenance of technology systems
Collaborate with IT to maintain and improve intake systems
Analyze legal issues, develop legal strategy, and supervise the dissemination of advice based on the strategy.
Prepare and submit necessary grant reporting paperwork, and work with the Grants and Contracts department to identify funding opportunities
Provide oversight of pro bono initiatives
Community Engagement and Advocacy
Develop and maintain community support and relationships with community-based organizations, advocates, government agencies, elected officials, and the courts
Conduct community education, training, and outreach, and promote the work of the helpline, the Housing Unit, the Civil Practice, and The Legal Aid Society in the community
Assist with planning and conducting citywide and statewide coalition meetings and task forces
Team Development and Supervision
Schedule employee hours, assign work, approve time off and remote work schedule requests following the guidance of LAS policy and procedures.
Manage and coordinate staffing changes, i.e. processing separations, requesting new job postings, hires, coordination of leaves and accommodations
Attend management meetings, participate in management trainings, and utilize current employment policies, practices and guidance as provided by management and Human Resources
Conduct management and supervision practices that affirmatively support equity and inclusion in the workplace
Supervise direct reports in setting performance standards, provide routine feedback as well as coaching/counseling, and issue disciplinary action as needed.
Identify and provide training and development opportunities and ensure mandatory trainings are completed.
Identify, delegate, and document work responsibilities, roles, and procedures to meet the mission of the department
Identify and implement department/unit management and accountability practices to improve performance
Resolve employee conflict, complaints, and address union concerns, with guidance from Human Resources
Lead organizational and culture change for the unit
Professional Development and other duties as assigned
Participate in continuous professional development Continuously learn about forms of bias in the workplace and demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications Required qualifications
Admission to the New York State Bar
5+ years of legal practice is required
3+ years of experience supervising and mentoring staff
Experience using technology, such as AI, to streamline processes and maximize efficiency
Preferred qualifications
10+ years of legal practice preferred with a primary focus in NYC Housing Court is preferred
Pro bono, government, public service and academic experience will be considered
Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable, but not required
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Position Based Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Experience litigating individual and group cases and litigating in various forums, including State and federal courts
Excellent technology skills
Excellent oral and written advocacy skills
Demonstrated commitment and experience in public interest law and civil legal services
Demonstrated commitment to policy advocacy and administrative reform
Experience working with vulnerable populations including but not limited to seniors
Demonstrated leadership ability
Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
Commitment to exploring alternative approaches for legal practice including the use of AI and other related technologies
Ability to work in and value a collaborative team model
Supervision Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to schedule, assign, and manage work and resolve problems as needed
Ability to identify opportunities to use technology to advance housing justice work city-wide
Ability to manage the work including: assessment of work process and outcomes, gathering relevant information about the work, recommending alternatives, or elevate issues as needed
Ability to clearly identify roles, responsibilities, delegate tasks and hold people accountable
Ability to create and implement effective communication plans
Ability to provide meaningful performance feedback for professional development including having difficult conversations and resolving sensitive employee issues
Pursue continuous learning on forms of systemic oppression of marginalized identities and establish team norms and management practices using an equity mindset and informed by inclusive practices
Organizational Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Commitment to Legal Aid Society’s mission to secure equal justice before the law for all New Yorkers.
Interpersonal and communication skills that enable healthy and productive working relationships
Ability to perform duties with the highest regard for confidentiality, integrity, and respect
Commitment to Legal Aid Society’s mission and values
Physical, environment, travel, and other duties required Mostly sedentary, significant time using a computer and monitor; communicating and meeting using video
May or will require travel within NYC, across the five-borough region
SALARY AND BENEFITS The salary range represents a good faith estimate of the range we expect to pay for this role. The actual salary offered may vary depending on many factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.
Salary Range: $155,000 – $165,000
The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more. Click here to read more about benefits.
Higher Education and Loan Forgiveness The Legal Aid Society is a qualified employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This position allows an employee to take advantage of PSLF and other State and Federal loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, employees who are New York residents may be eligible for assistance from New York state to assist with loan repayments, depending on years of practice. To learn more, click the links below.
studentaid.gov
hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs
WORK AUTHORIZATION All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. We are currently unable to sponsor employment visas or permits. (However, for citizens of Canada and Mexico, LAS will provide a letter documenting employment status that is needed to obtain a TN visa.)
HOW TO APPLY All applications must be completed online via the career portal. We do not accept emailed applications. Submit the following documents as a combined PDF:
Cover Letter
Resume
For technical difficulties or questions regarding this posting, please email jobpostquestions@legal-aid.org.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer, The Legal Aid Society prohibits discriminatory employment actions against and treatment of its employees and applicants for employment based on actual or perceived race or color, size (including bone structure, body size, height, shape, and weight), religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity (one’s internal deeply-held sense of one’s gender which may be the same or different from one’s sex assigned at birth); gender expression (the representation of gender as expressed through, for example, one’s name, choice of pronouns, clothing, haircut, behavior, voice, or body characteristics; gender expression may not conform to traditional gender-based stereotypes assigned to specific gender identities), disability, marital status, relationship and family structure (including domestic partnerships, polyamorous families and individuals, chosen family, platonic co-parents, and multigenerational families), genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or pre-employment conviction record, credit history, unemployment status, caregiver status, salary history, or any other characteristic protected by law.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION The Legal Aid Society is committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice and excellent representation. We are dedicated to building a strong professional relationship with each of our clients (people), to understanding their diverse circumstances, and to meeting their needs. Our ability to achieve these goals depends on the efforts of all of us and the ability to build strong relationships with our colleagues. Every member of our community is expected to continuously learn about the dynamic, evolving, and emerging field of knowledge of identity, bias, and systemic forms of oppression and participate in productive efforts to dismantling bias in all forms.
Location Citywide
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Civil Practice’s Housing Justice Helpline provides access to high quality legalassistancevia a live answer phone line open Monday through Friday during business hours. Callers to the helpline receive information, advice, brief services and referralson housing law and related matters for NYC tenants. The program provideslegalassistancewith a broad range of individual tenant legal matters, including but not limited to holdovers & nonpayment proceedings.
The Director will supervise allfacetsofthe helplinework, including Paralegals,theProgram Manager,and Supervising Attorneys. The Director will work collaboratively with the Housing Leadership Group, theHousing Defense teams,theInformation Technology team,theDevelopmentTeamandtheGrants and Contracts teams.The Director is involved in all aspects of the day-to-day operations,mentors new and experienced supervising attorneys, coordinates grantprojects,andparticipates with other staff in prioritizing legal issues.The Director willbe responsible foridentifying, evaluating,maintaining, and pursuing opportunities to integratetechnologysystems, including the use of AI, to support and enhance the services provided to the community.The Directorparticipatesin Practice-wide management discussions and decision-making.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Program Management
Coordinate intake and advice/brief representation provided to callers
Monitor and maintain a high standard of client service
Support the development, funding, implementation and reporting of programs
Oversee the use of AI-driven tools and other related technologies to enhance the intake process
Respond to client, community, and staff concerns
Evaluate the project’s needs and identify necessary resources to address the needs
Support the maintenance of technology systems
Collaborate with IT to maintain and improve intake systems
Analyze legal issues, develop legal strategy, and supervise the dissemination of advice based on the strategy.
Prepare and submit necessary grant reporting paperwork, and work with the Grants and Contracts department to identify funding opportunities
Provide oversight of pro bono initiatives
Community Engagement and Advocacy
Develop and maintain community support and relationships with community-based organizations, advocates, government agencies, elected officials, and the courts
Conduct community education, training, and outreach, and promote the work of the helpline, the Housing Unit, the Civil Practice, and The Legal Aid Society in the community
Assist with planning and conducting citywide and statewide coalition meetings and task forces
Team Development and Supervision
Schedule employee hours, assign work, approve time off and remote work schedule requests following the guidance of LAS policy and procedures.
Manage and coordinate staffing changes, i.e. processing separations, requesting new job postings, hires, coordination of leaves and accommodations
Attend management meetings, participate in management trainings, and utilize current employment policies, practices and guidance as provided by management and Human Resources
Conduct management and supervision practices that affirmatively support equity and inclusion in the workplace
Supervise direct reports in setting performance standards, provide routine feedback as well as coaching/counseling, and issue disciplinary action as needed.
Identify and provide training and development opportunities and ensure mandatory trainings are completed.
Identify, delegate, and document work responsibilities, roles, and procedures to meet the mission of the department
Identify and implement department/unit management and accountability practices to improve performance
Resolve employee conflict, complaints, and address union concerns, with guidance from Human Resources
Lead organizational and culture change for the unit
Professional Development and other duties as assigned
Participate in continuous professional development Continuously learn about forms of bias in the workplace and demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications Required qualifications
Admission to the New York State Bar
5+ years of legal practice is required
3+ years of experience supervising and mentoring staff
Experience using technology, such as AI, to streamline processes and maximize efficiency
Preferred qualifications
10+ years of legal practice preferred with a primary focus in NYC Housing Court is preferred
Pro bono, government, public service and academic experience will be considered
Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable, but not required
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Position Based Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Experience litigating individual and group cases and litigating in various forums, including State and federal courts
Excellent technology skills
Excellent oral and written advocacy skills
Demonstrated commitment and experience in public interest law and civil legal services
Demonstrated commitment to policy advocacy and administrative reform
Experience working with vulnerable populations including but not limited to seniors
Demonstrated leadership ability
Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
Commitment to exploring alternative approaches for legal practice including the use of AI and other related technologies
Ability to work in and value a collaborative team model
Supervision Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to schedule, assign, and manage work and resolve problems as needed
Ability to identify opportunities to use technology to advance housing justice work city-wide
Ability to manage the work including: assessment of work process and outcomes, gathering relevant information about the work, recommending alternatives, or elevate issues as needed
Ability to clearly identify roles, responsibilities, delegate tasks and hold people accountable
Ability to create and implement effective communication plans
Ability to provide meaningful performance feedback for professional development including having difficult conversations and resolving sensitive employee issues
Pursue continuous learning on forms of systemic oppression of marginalized identities and establish team norms and management practices using an equity mindset and informed by inclusive practices
Organizational Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Commitment to Legal Aid Society’s mission to secure equal justice before the law for all New Yorkers.
Interpersonal and communication skills that enable healthy and productive working relationships
Ability to perform duties with the highest regard for confidentiality, integrity, and respect
Commitment to Legal Aid Society’s mission and values
Physical, environment, travel, and other duties required Mostly sedentary, significant time using a computer and monitor; communicating and meeting using video
May or will require travel within NYC, across the five-borough region
SALARY AND BENEFITS The salary range represents a good faith estimate of the range we expect to pay for this role. The actual salary offered may vary depending on many factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.
Salary Range: $155,000 – $165,000
The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more. Click here to read more about benefits.
Higher Education and Loan Forgiveness The Legal Aid Society is a qualified employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This position allows an employee to take advantage of PSLF and other State and Federal loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, employees who are New York residents may be eligible for assistance from New York state to assist with loan repayments, depending on years of practice. To learn more, click the links below.
studentaid.gov
hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs
WORK AUTHORIZATION All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. We are currently unable to sponsor employment visas or permits. (However, for citizens of Canada and Mexico, LAS will provide a letter documenting employment status that is needed to obtain a TN visa.)
HOW TO APPLY All applications must be completed online via the career portal. We do not accept emailed applications. Submit the following documents as a combined PDF:
Cover Letter
Resume
For technical difficulties or questions regarding this posting, please email jobpostquestions@legal-aid.org.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer, The Legal Aid Society prohibits discriminatory employment actions against and treatment of its employees and applicants for employment based on actual or perceived race or color, size (including bone structure, body size, height, shape, and weight), religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity (one’s internal deeply-held sense of one’s gender which may be the same or different from one’s sex assigned at birth); gender expression (the representation of gender as expressed through, for example, one’s name, choice of pronouns, clothing, haircut, behavior, voice, or body characteristics; gender expression may not conform to traditional gender-based stereotypes assigned to specific gender identities), disability, marital status, relationship and family structure (including domestic partnerships, polyamorous families and individuals, chosen family, platonic co-parents, and multigenerational families), genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or pre-employment conviction record, credit history, unemployment status, caregiver status, salary history, or any other characteristic protected by law.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION The Legal Aid Society is committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice and excellent representation. We are dedicated to building a strong professional relationship with each of our clients (people), to understanding their diverse circumstances, and to meeting their needs. Our ability to achieve these goals depends on the efforts of all of us and the ability to build strong relationships with our colleagues. Every member of our community is expected to continuously learn about the dynamic, evolving, and emerging field of knowledge of identity, bias, and systemic forms of oppression and participate in productive efforts to dismantling bias in all forms.
Location Citywide
#J-18808-Ljbffr