Tenants Rights Commission (TRC) Paralegal na City of Detroit, MI

About the Department

The Tenants' Rights Commission will assist in the development of policies that increase stability, opportunities, safety, and wellness for residential tenants in the City, and to ensure inclusion, representation, and equity for tenants in the legislative process. The Tenants' Rights Commission has the authority to develop and present comprehensive policy recommendations to the City Council and the Mayor on all topics affecting the City's tenant population, including:
(1) Methods of reducing Detroit evictions rates;
(2) Establishing and protecting residential tenants' rights:
(3) Identification and utilization of federal, state, and third-party funding sources to support tenants facing evictions through collaboration with City-wide residential tenants' organizations.
(4) Enforcing landlord compliance with the City Code;
(5) Aiding the Housing and Revitalization Department, other City departments, and third-party organizations in educating both tenants of their rights and landlords of issues affecting residential rental properties.
The TRC Paralegal will have the unique opportunity to establish an efficient process for reviewing legal issues presented by the Commission and providing legal support, guidance, and case management under the supervision of attorneys in the Detroit Law dept.

Position Duties

• Tenant Advocacy: Work with experienced attorneys and support staff to assist tenants in understanding and asserting their rights.
• Complete research into City databases and systems to gather information and provide appropriate guidance when the Commission receives complaints from tenants and/or make referrals of alleged violations of the City Code or other relevant law to the department, agency and/or judicial body.
• Prepare legal correspondence, memos, court documents in response to Commission questions or concerns with approval and under the supervision of City LAW dept.
• Support the Commission in facilitating voluntary mediation where appropriate, between tenant's and landlord's to collaboratively address housing disputes
• Collect and organize documents that the Commission requests from tenant associations, housing coalitions, etc., and assist the Commission with formulating any policy recommendations or regulations regarding residential rental properties
• Serve in a property management capacity and maintain database of actions, information, or processes in Excel or Smartsheet to facilitate structured communication between the City, tenants in need, landlords, and other community support agencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Commitment to social justice and desire to assist indigent clients
• At least one year of legal training or legal experience
• Successful completion of an American Bar Association approved paralegal/legal studies programs and three years of work experience as a Legal Assistant. -OR- An Associate degree with a specialization in paralegal studies form an American Bar Association approved institution and two years of work experience as a Legal Assistant. (preferred but not required)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Other Qualifications

Please provide a Cover Letter and Resume Attachment
Applicants are encouraged to apply for immediate consideration
**Appointment term is based on availability of funds**