Career Opportunities

Media, Outreach and Education Director 

 

The Housing Rights Center (“HRC”) is seeking a Media, Outreach and Education Director. The Media, Outreach and Education Department consists of the Director, a Program Manager, and three Coordinators.  

 

BACKGROUND: In existence since 1968, the HRC is dedicated to achieving discrimination-free housing. With a fulltime staff of 40 and offices in Los Angeles-Koreatown, Pasadena, and Van Nuys, HRC offers: (1) housing discrimination investigation, (2) enforcement and impact litigation, (3) media, outreach and education, (4) general landlord/tenant counseling, and (5) eviction prevention services. 

 

This is a hybrid-remote position with scheduled days in HRC’s Los Angeles office, as well as regular regional travel throughout Los Angeles County and Ventura County. Occasional weekend and evening hours are required.  

 

The Media, Outreach and Education Director will be responsible for implementing HRC’s comprehensive outreach program, including completing deliverables required under HRC’s government contracts, as well as pursuing additional activities to further HRC’s mission and raise awareness of its programs and services. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinating the successful completion of a diverse set of required outreach activities for each fiscal year under multiple individual contracts. 

• Maintaining program records and completing program reports for each contract. 

• Developing and implementing a strategic digital communications plan utilizing HRC’s website, email lists, and social media accounts. 

• Creating and distributing promotional and educational flyers and resources. 

• Leading the planning and coordination of HRC’s annual conference in April.  

• Representing HRC in coalitions with other organizations, meetings with contract monitors and elected officials, media, etc. 

• Organizing and conducting workshops and seminars for tenants, landlords, city agencies and industry professionals. 

• Participating in community fairs, meetings and special events. 

• Writing and disseminating press releases and public service announcements. 

• Fielding press inquiries and placing advertisements. 

• Developing relationships with local media and community-based organizations. 

• Creating and distributing agency newsletters, fair housing articles and educational resources for the public. 

• Training and supervising outreach department staff. 

• Keeping abreast of changing fair housing laws, community resources, and other issues important to HRC’s service area and client population. 

• Assisting Executive Director with special projects, as needed. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Demonstrated interest in civil rights and social justice issues.  

• Reliable transportation to enable travel throughout L.A. and Ventura Counties. 

• Strong internet connection to host webinars. 

• Knowledge of landlord-tenant, eviction, and fair housing laws are a plus. 

• COVID-19 vaccination will be required. 

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SKILLS:  

• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to meet multiple deadlines  

• Strong writing skills; ability to craft messages for multiple audiences and platforms 

• Comfortable with public speaking 

• Strong design skills; experience with graphic design software 

• Experience with website maintenance, email lists, and social media platforms 

• Event planning experience a plus 

• Willingness and ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances 

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SCHEDULE: This position requires a 40-hour work week with flexibility to accommodate occasional weekend and evening hours. 

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SALARY & BENEFITS $65K -$75K, depending on experience. HRC offers an excellent benefits package including health, vision, and dental insurance, which become available after three months of employment. After one year, HRC offers a 403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution. HRC provides mileage reimbursement and offers a monthly stipend for costs arising from working from home. 

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APPLICATIONS: Please email a resume and cover letter describing your skills and interest in the position to: 

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Laurel Steven, Office Manager 

lsteven@housingrightscenter.org 

No phone calls, please. 

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APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until position filled.  

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Director of Litigation (Housing)

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The Housing Rights Center (“HRC”) is dedicated to achieving discrimination-free housing. HRC is the nation’s oldest and largest private, non-profit fair housing advocacy organization. The Director will work in HRC’s main office in Los Angeles, where it has a full-time staff of forty and offers: (1) housing discrimination investigation, (2) enforcement and impact litigation, (3) outreach and education, (4) general landlord/tenant counseling and (5) fair housing advocacy. HRC’s litigation team represents victims of housing discrimination in state and federal lawsuits, and, in appropriate cases, represents HRC as an organizational plaintiff. HRC’s litigators have recovered millions of dollars in damages and attorney’s fees for discrimination victims, obtained district and appellate-level decisions on important fair housing questions, and achieved substantial injunctive relief through the entry of numerous consent decrees. Their work also focuses on achieving compliance pre-litigation where many cases are favorably settled. The Litigation Director will work under the supervision of HRC’s Executive Director.

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RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Represent clients in all stages of housing discrimination litigation including case settlement;

• Carry an independent case load while also supervising the case load of 2-4 staff attorneys and paralegals;

• Develop and litigate cases at the trial and appellate level in federal and state court;

• Regularly report to the Executive Director and to HRC’s Board of Directors Litigation Subcommittee regarding the status, development, and results of litigation;

• Meet or exceed goals for attorney’s fee and damages recoveries;

• Lead communications, including garnering and handling media coverage for litigation and publishing articles regarding fair housing;

• Provide support to staff on housing discrimination issues;

• Conduct training and fair housing presentations;

• Conduct legal research and provide support on fair housing policy issues;

• Initiate and effectively implement special projects involving fair housing advocacy.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Active California Bar membership with at least seven years of litigation experience including conducting/defending depositions, drafting pleadings, and educational materials; a demonstrated interest in civil rights and social justice issues is required and candidates from the for-profit sector are also welcome to apply.

• Strong ability to work independently and with substantial responsibility

• Experience with diverse populations; strong writing and public speaking skills; and demonstrated experience in legal research, client interviewing, negotiations, case damages estimation, and the ability to work under pressure.

• Knowledge of fair housing law and fair housing case settlements is preferred.

• Federal Court litigation experience preferred.
   

SALARY & BENEFITS: $115,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year DOE; excellent competitive benefits provided. 

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Benefits:

• Dental insurance

• Flexible schedule

• Health insurance

• Paid time off

• Vision insurance

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Housing Counselor/Intake Screener

 

The Housing Rights Center (HRC) is seeking a Housing Counselors/Intake Screener. HRC’s mission is to actively support and promote fair housing through education and advocacy, to the end that all persons have the opportunity to secure the housing they desire and can afford, without discrimination based on their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, familial status, marital status, disability, ancestry, age, source of income, or other characteristics protected by law. HRC serves L.A. City, L.A. County, and Ventura County. HRC has a full-time staff of 40 and offers the following services: (1) Housing Discrimination Complaint Investigation, (2) Legal Services, (3) Outreach and Education, and (4) Landlord/Tenant Counseling. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Housing Counselor will work both remotely from home, and from HRC’s office in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles, California, during weekday hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. They may also be expected to work at our other Los Angeles locations on occasion.

 

The majority of our funding is made through government contracts which also go through a bidding and congressional funding process and are therefore not promised. You may also be asked to participate on another housing project based on program and community need.

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RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Counsel tenants and landlords regarding their legal rights and responsibilities.

• Screen incoming calls and walk-ins for possible evidence of discriminatory conduct.

• Return calls and (rarely) staff workshops.

• Work to resolve housing disputes and issues through dispute resolution (will be trained).

• Participate in education, outreach, and fair housing training activities.

• Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A demonstrated sincere interest in helping others.

• Knowledge of landlord/tenant and/or fair housing laws preferred but HRC will train.

• Strong people and customer service type skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Computer literate.

• Reliable and detail-oriented.

• Spanish fluency is a plus.

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Competitive and DOE. HRC offers an excellent benefits package including health, vision, and dental insurance. A 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution is available after one year of employment. A generous paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave package is also provided.

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DEADLINE: Accepting applicants on an ongoing basis but strongly encouraged to apply immediately.

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Rental Assistance Program Coordinator (Temporary)​

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The Housing Rights Center (“HRC”) is seeking a Temporary Rental Assistance Program Coordinator. The Department consists of the Program Manager, an Accounting Clerk, and three Program Coordinators.

 

BACKGROUND: In existence since 1968, the HRC is dedicated to achieving discrimination-free housing as well as educating communities on landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities. Even as the economy continues its recovery from the devastating impacts of COVID-19, thousands of Angelinos face rental debt and fear of evictions. COVID-19 has exacerbated an affordable housing crisis that predated the pandemic and continues to exacerbate disparities that threaten housing stability. To meet this need, both the City of Los Angeles, and County of Los Angeles have made short-term rental assistance funding available to assist eligible households through the Eviction Defense & Prevention Programs (EDPP). The Rental Assistance Program Coordinator is a temporary position through June 2024.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Program Coordinator will:

• Work in partnership with Legal Service Providers on the LA County and City Eviction Defense &Prevention Programs to process rental assistance applications for income-eligible households.

• Assist applicants with the application process (i.e. screen applicants to determine eligibility, ensure that participants complete applications to the best of their knowledge, submit supporting documents required, etc.)

• Engage landlords in the rental assistance process

• Provide linkage and referrals to other services

• Provide program participants with the information necessary to clarify program guidelines and exercise their rights and responsibilities in accordance with federal, state and local eviction and tenant protection resolutions.

• Maintain accurate records for program reporting.

• Perform any other work duties requested by the Program Manager and EDPP team.

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QUALIFICATIONS: Must have a demonstrated interest in civil rights and social justice issues and a willingness to learn and adapt to a fast-paced environment.

 

SKILLS:

• Must have excellent time management and organizational skills, strong communication and interpersonal skills, critical problem solvers, flexible and adaptable and feel comfortable with meeting in person with applicants.

• Must have reliable transportation (an insured vehicle) to enable travel throughout Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

• Case Management experience is a plus.

• Knowledge of landlord-tenant and/or fair housing laws is a plus.

 

SALARY: Competitive Salary, depending on experience.

 

BENEFITS: The HRC offers an excellent benefits package including health, vision, and dental insurance. A403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution is available after one year of employment. A generous paid holiday, vacation and sick leave package is also provided.

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Housing Tester (Undercover housing shopper)

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The Housing Rights Center ("HRC") is seeking Tester/ Tester Coordinators to help uncover differential treatment by inquiring about rental listings and then reporting their experiences. HRC is the nation’s oldest and largest non-profit fair housing organization.  Our mission is to actively support and promote fair housing through education and advocacy, to the end that all persons have the opportunity to secure and protect the housing they desire and can afford, without illegal discrimination.  The Tester/Tester Coordinator will work both remotely from home and at HRC’s Los Angeles office and will occasionally conduct site visits. Fair housing testing is a strategy used to determine whether people looking for housing are being treated differently based on their membership in a protected class.  Testing allows one to measure and document differences in the quality, content, and quantity of information and services provided to seekers of housing.  Testing is one of the best ways to confirm whether a housing provider may be breaking fair housing law. There a few tester positions available ranging from full-time to part-time.* Testers from all demographic backgrounds are needed and, therefore, encouraged to apply.

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Testers play the role of a person seeking housing in person, by phone or email. They must be objective observers, accurate reporters, and truthful witnesses, as they will report about their experience.

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Who are we looking for:

• Reliable individuals able to work full-time or part-time, good observational and recall skills and the ability to write clear, objective statements.

• We use test results to file complaints against landlords who have violated the law. Conducted tests will potentially be used as evidence in these cases so to ensure the integrity of our test results, we need people who understand the commitment and will be thorough and timely in their assignments.

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RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Work closely with staff to investigate for housing discrimination primarily in apartment rentals, including: 

  • Coordinating, analyzing, and conducting tests (comparing the treatment of tenant applicants)

  • Timely submitting written statements and testing data and compiling complete case files

  • Taking witness statements and surveying tenants 

  • Assist with tester recruitment and training. 

  • Conduct research on listings 

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QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Excellent observational and recall skills with a superior attention to detail and accuracy.

• Excellent time management skills and strong written and verbal communication skills (in English). 

• Must be well organized, able to meet deadlines and be a strong team member. 

• Access to reliable transportation with ability to travel throughout LA County and with proof of car insurance

• Have reliable internet, phone access, and transportation to conduct testing and site visits.  

• Pre-hire: Must successfully complete a 2-3 hour training session and complete and submit a practice test.

• Due to federal funding requirements, testers must not have any felony convictions or convictions for any crimes involving fraud or perjury in the last 7 years. 

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BENEFITS: Competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, and vision.  Reimbursed mileage. 

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APPLICATIONS:

Please e-mail a resume and cover letter (no phone calls, please) describing your interest and qualifications to: Bradley Thomas, Project Manager; E-mail: bthomas@housingrightscenter.org
Or mail to:  Bradley Thomas, Housing Rights Center, 3255 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1150, Los Angeles, CA 90010 

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Paralegal Case Manager

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The Housing Rights Center (HRC) is seeking a Paralegal Case Manager to join HRC’s Eviction Prevention Team, to serve Los Angeles County residents by assisting tenants to try and maintain their current housing. The Paralegal Case Manager will provide tenants help in applying for past due rent through our rental assistance programs along with communicating with and convincing their landlords to participate in the program. Paralegal Case Managers will also prepare and complete required documents to submit rental assistance applications for approval. In addition, the Paralegal Case Manager will need to prepare responsive forms, assist in preparing landlord-tenant related documents, negotiate and mediate with landlords on housing issues (under the supervision of an attorney). The Paralegal Case Manager will occasionally work remotely from home and at HRC’s Los Angeles office. They may also be expected on occasion to work and travel at other Los Angeles locations. This is a full-time temporary position that may transition to permanent full-time*.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interview clients and provide them with information on various legal issues.

• Determine whether tenants will be eligible for rental assistance.

• Communicate with landlords to determine willingness to participate in the rental assistance program.

• Possible negotiations and mediation with landlords and tenants.

• Counsel tenants regarding their legal rights and responsibilities under the supervision of an attorney.

• Draft court pleadings and other landlord-tenant documents.

• Work effectively and in conjunction with the Directing Attorney and the Eviction Prevention staff.  

• Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience as a paralegal or relevant equivalent experience is preferred, but not required.

• A demonstrated sincere interest in helping others.

• Knowledge of landlord/tenant laws is preferred but HRC can provide training.

• Experience in interviewing and assisting low-income communities.

• Strong people and customer service skills and experience.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Reliable and detail-oriented.

• Computer literate.

• Ability to be flexible in job duties;

• Spanish language ability preferred, but not required;

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS: 

• $45,000 - $51,000 per year. HRC offers an excellent benefits package including health, vision, and dental insurance. A 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution is available after one year of employment. A generous paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave package are also provided.

 

* This position is part of a special program created using designated funds. There is no assurance of ongoing funding or employment beyond June 31, 2024.

 

APPLICATIONS:  Please e-mail or mail a resume AND cover letter (no phone calls, please) describing your interest and qualifications to:

Laurel Steven, Office Manager

E-mail: lsteven@housingrightscenter.org

Mail: Housing Rights Center, 3255 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1150, Los Angeles, CA 90010

 

DEADLINE: Accepting applicants on an ongoing basis but strongly encouraged to apply immediately.