HAP Job Postings (1)

Job Title: Staff Attorney (Full-time)
Job Location: Philadelphia, PA
Job Type: Legal – Civil

Organizational Information:

The Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP) exists to meet the legal and advocacy needs of homeless individuals and families in Philadelphia. With a legal staff of 8 and a corps of 350 volunteer lawyers, paralegals, and law students, HAP engages in direct outreach to homeless individuals in need of legal services.

Job Functions, Essential Duties, and Responsibilities:

  • Represent homeless clients in civil legal matters, with an emphasis on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and VA benefit cases.
  • Administer general legal clinics at area homeless shelters.
  • Supervise, assist, and support volunteers handling civil legal matters for homeless clients.
  • Serve as HAP resource on issues of poverty law for HAP volunteers.
  • Implement substantive and ethical training programs, including CLE classes for volunteer advocates.
  • Maintain updated forms and samples to assist volunteers.
  • Supervise case tracking and maintenance of the legal database.
  • Organize and conduct educational presentations for shelter staff and residents.
  • Create education materials about timely legal issues for distribution at clinics.
  • Assist with training and supervision of summer clerks and clinical students.
  • Provide advice to call-in and walk-in clients.

Advocacy and Committee Work:

 Analyze federal, state, and local policy initiatives and legislation affecting homelessness.

  • Participate in various committee meetings of the Philadelphia Bar Association and other community coalitions to address issues impacting HAP clients.
  • Work with staff and Board of Directors to determine how and when to respond to such issues.
  • Participate in litigation that serves HAP’s mission and goals as approved by the Board.
  • Assist in the work of the Standards & Monitoring Committee of the HAP Board.

Support the Overall Operation and Management of HAP:

  • Collaborate with staff and Board to develop and implement strategic plans.
  • Speak at law schools, bar functions, other community events about HAP’s work and volunteer opportunities.

 Minimum Requirements:

  • Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA-accredited University and licensed to practice law in PA.
  • Demonstrated interest in public interest law and experience working with low-income populations.
  • High level of analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to independently maintain own caseload and provide assistance to volunteers.
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities and work with minimal supervision.
  • Understanding of and sensitivity to issues of low-income and homeless communities.

Preferred Requirement: 

  • Experience working on behalf of vulnerable populations.
  • Spanish speaking a plus.

To Apply:

Please send your cover letter and résumé to: Tanya L. Rambert, Director of Operations, trambert@haplegal.org; HAP, 1429 Walnut St., 15th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

No Phone Calls, Recruiters, or Drop-ins Please. 

HAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.