Housing Project Coordinator

At the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County (Legal Aid SMC), we use the law to ensure that the social safety net works for everyone. We do this by representing clients as they navigate complex legal systems, empowering people to advocate for themselves, and fixing broken systems through policy change.

Legal Aid SMC’s Housing team is seeking a Project Coordinator to perform intake and paralegal tasks for clients facing eviction and other serious housing legal problems. We are looking for a motivated and organized individual who is dedicated to advocating for a diverse, low-income client population. The right candidate is someone who can prioritize multiple demands and execute tasks efficiently in a fast-paced work environment, demonstrates excellent customer service skills, works well on a collaborative team, and is committed to social justice.

Legal Aid SMC’s Housing team is on the front lines of the housing affordability crisis. Housing team members work to defend tenants against eviction, enforce existing tenant protections through impact litigation, and advocate for effective and equitable housing policies in partnership with impacted communities. The Housing team includes lawyers, law clerks, and project coordinators who work collaboratively on all aspects of the program. The Housing Project Coordinator’s work is under the supervision of the Housing Program Operations Manager.

Legal Aid SMC seeks candidates who share our aspirations for a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We are committed to affirming differences in race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.

Responsibilities:

• Client services: Conducts client intake interviews; screens individuals who call Legal Aid with diverse housing legal problems; provides general information on evictions and housing issues; schedules appointments or provides appropriate referrals; and follows up with clients by telephone and email.
• Litigation support: Prepares client files and assists staff attorneys with litigation tasks, including drafting basic pleadings, document management, online court forms setup, correspondence, and interpretation/translations for Spanish-speaking clients.
• Community engagement: Participates in community outreach events; conducts tenant education workshops and organizing meetings in Spanish and English.

Required Qualifications:

• B.A. degree or equivalent experience that demonstrates ability to learn and navigate office systems
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Working knowledge of Word and Excel
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently

Preferred:

• Experience working in a law office
• Direct service experience with individuals
• Spanish fluency

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation: From $30.36 per hour

Full-time nonexempt position; 35-hour workweek

Benefits: Legal Aid SMC pays 100% of premium for employee-only health coverage, and up to 95% for employee + dependent coverage depending on plan selected. Legal Aid SMC pays 100% premium for dental insurance for employee and dependents. Full-time employees receive 16 days of vacation in the first year, plus 13 days of sick leave and 12 paid holidays. Employees become eligible for 3% employer contribution to 401(k) plan after the first year of full-time employment.

Hybrid Workplace: Legal Aid SMC is a hybrid workplace. Employee work schedules and work locations are determined by a combination of factors including client needs, organizational needs, and the demand of their workload and personal preference. This role is expected to work at least two days per week in our Redwood City office, as well as attend in-person clinics and outreach events (2-3 per month) in the local community. All employees are expected to be available to commute to the office as needed. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to work in the office.

To Apply: Please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@legalaidsmc.org.

Legal Aid SMC is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Persons of color, persons with disabilities, immigrants, older adults and members of the LGBTQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.