Housing Attorney - Bakersfield, United States - Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Inc.

Description

Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Inc. (GBLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is "to promote social change and justice by providing high-quality legal services to the low-income community." GBLA's service area is Kern County, California.

GBLA seeks an attorney to join GBLA's Sargent Shriver Housing Project and Equal Access Fund Homeless Prevention Project. Under the direct supervision of the Director of Litigation – Division B, the attorney helps Kern County residents defend unlawful detainer (eviction) actions. Eviction defense offers critical support for individuals facing the threat of losing their homes. With legal representation, tenants gain protection, advocacy, and access to resources to navigate complex, fast, eviction proceedings. The attorney ensures tenants' rights are upheld, provides guidance on legal options, and attempts settlement prevent homelessness or a "soft-landing." By offering stability, peace of mind, and a chance to stay housed, the attorney protects individuals and families from housing instability. This is a full-time position designed to expand the capacity of GBLA's housing team. This position offers a hybrid work location.

The candidate must be an active member of the State Bar of California or eligible for the State Bar of California's Multijurisdictional Practice Program (MJP). The MJP Program's requirements, among others, are:

admission in a U.S. state, jurisdiction, possession, territory or dependency as an active licensee in good standing;

production of an original certificate of good standing from all U.S. jurisdiction(s) of admission;

Residence in California;

Meet State Bar requirements for an acceptable moral character; and

Compliance with all annual requirements.

The ideal candidate for this position possesses extensive knowledge and experience in federal and state housing law such as the CARES Act, the Tenant Protection Act of 2019, and Code of Civil Procedure §§ 1159 through 1179a, etc. The candidate must possess exceptional analytical, organizational, and writing skills, and strong oral and written communication abilities. A firm commitment to public interest advocacy and a proactive approach to collaborative work are essential qualities. Additionally, the ideal candidate will exhibit leadership capabilities by providing guidance and direction to colleagues as needed. Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is strongly preferred. This position offers the opportunity for remote work within California.

To Apply

Email a cover letter, writing sample, resume, and three professional references to: or mail to Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Inc., 615 California Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93304.

Compensation

The salary range for this full-time exempt role is $90,000 - $104,000 annually, with a final offer dependent on experience, job-related skills, and qualifications.

Benefits

Coverage is effective on the first day of the month following thirty (30) days of employment unless otherwise noted.

• Medical Insurance

Employer-paid premium for all full-time employees

HMO plan with Kaiser Permanente

Optional spouse/domestic partner/dependent coverage (employee paid)

Coverage becomes effective on the 1st day of the month after 30 days of employment

• Section 125 Plan allows pre-tax payment for optional coverage
• Dental Insurance

Employer-paid premium for all full-time employees, spouse, and dependents

Delta Dental 1500 Plan

Coverage becomes effective on the 1st day of the month after 30 days of employment

• Vision Insurance

Employer-paid premium for all full-time employees, spouse, and dependents

VSP Plan

Coverage becomes effective on the 1st day of the month after 30 days of employment

• Life Insurance

Employer-paid premium for all full-time employees

Employee coverage (3x annual salary, max $500k)

Spouse coverage ($10,000)

Dependent coverage ($5,000)

Coverage becomes effective on the 1st day of the month after 30 days of employment

• GBLA maintains a Long & Short-Term Disability plan for all full-time employees
• Retirement 403(b) plan: no waiting period, employee-only contributions
• GBLA observes all judicial holidays observed by the Superior Court of California, County of Kern
• Vacation (accrual begins on the first day of employment)

0 to < 2 years: 2 weeks / 12 days / 7.5 hours monthly

2 to < 4 years: 3 weeks / 18 days / 11.25 hours monthly

4 to < 8 years: 4 weeks / 24 days / 15 hours monthly

8+ years: 5 weeks / 30 days / 18.75 hours monthly

• Wellness benefits: GBLA pays a portion of a discounted group membership to a local gym and employees have access to Kaiser's mental health app "Headspace"

Professional Development:

• GBLA pays all annual fees required by the State Bar of California for GBLA attorneys
• GBLA pays for travel, admission, and lodging related to NITA training
• GBLA pays all Kern County Bar Association membership costs
• GBLA is a qualified employer for PSLF, according to the U.S. Department of Education's website.

Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer