Counsel
Job Description
Under general supervision of Senior Counsel, assists in providing a wide range of professional legal services related to Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) operations; conducts legal research, prepares opinions, memoranda, administrative rules and regulations and other legal documents; advises PHA departments; may represent the PHA in a variety of litigation that involves administrative hearings, trial and appellate work; may involve review of contracts and procurement procedures and other procedures and systems at PHA; may involve handling business transactions and regulatory compliance matters; provides staff assistance to General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel and Senior Counsel; performs other related duties.
Annual salary: $82,600.00 – $89,101.00
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:
Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association approved law school; and one (1) year experience in a private law practice or government agency is preferred; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Knowledge of:
Relevant Pennsylvania criminal and civil statutes, rules, case law, administrative orders, policies and procedures, and applicable Federal rules and regulations; Legal precedents and court decisions impacting public housing operations and real estate transactions; Legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases and other research tools; Development, refinement and presentation of legal strategies, and case management techniques; Principles and protocols for the gathering of evidentiary information, documents, financial records and other data that may be used in court and legal hearings and in response to audits and investigations; PHA protocols and strategies of prosecution, negotiation and litigation; Principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct.
Required Skill in:
Analyzing complex administrative and operational data and issues, interpreting laws and regulations, evaluating alternatives, and developing strategies for effective resolution of issues; Assuming junior level legal responsibilities and making appropriate decisions; Researching and identifying precedents in case law; Litigating cases in a legal hearing and courtroom setting, and/or reviewing or drafting and negotiating contracts and handling business transactions and regulatory and compliance matters; Effectively assessing, interpreting and applying complex laws to information, evidence and other data compiled; Investigating, analyzing and resolving complex and sensitive issues and complaints; Exercising judgment and discretion, negotiating agreements and mediating difficult situations; Interacting with people of different social, economic and ethnic backgrounds; Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, clients and the general public; Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software; Effective verbal and written communication.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Driver’s License may be required.
Admission to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Bar. Incumbents must remain a member of the Pennsylvania State Bar in good standing for the duration of employment in this position.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a standard office environment.
Responsibilities
Performs legal research and prepares written and oral opinions on various legal problems for the General Counsel and for Deputy and Senior Counsel; Confers with, and renders assistance to department heads and others in establishing departmental policies by applying legal principles and procedures; recommends changes to policies and procedures in order to meet legal requirements; Prepares, drafts and reviews policies, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents, agreements and instruments; Investigates claims and complaints against the PHA and recommends appropriate action; Assists with or prepares cases for hearings, trials and other judicial proceedings; represents the PHA in such proceedings; Investigates, responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive resident inquires and complaints; Reviews and approves certificates of insurance, off-site improvement agreements, grant deeds and various other documents; May represent the General Counsel or a Deputy, General or Senior Counsel at various meetings and in court as needed; Stays abreast of relevant new trends and innovations in the legal field; May serve as a hearing officer; Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and PHA information; Prepares, reviews and approves the formal performance evaluation of department staff, and coaches staff for improvement and development; initiates disciplinary action up to and including dismissal as required to correct behavior; Performs related duties and responsibilities and undertakes special projects as assigned
How To Apply
All applications will be accepted through the Philadelphia Housing Authority’s Jobs Board at www.pha.phila.gov/jobs
Closing Statement
About the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA)
Established in 1937, and with an employment workforce of over 1,100, the Philadelphia Housing Authority is a municipal agency providing public housing services to over 76,000 residents in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Financial support for Authority operations and capital needs comes primarily from rent payments and subsidies provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). PHA is one of a very select group of housing authorities across the nation that has attained Moving to Work (MTW) status. This designation allows housing agencies the opportunity and flexibility, on a local level, to develop and implement innovative housing and self-sufficiency strategies to benefit public housing residents and Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) participants.
PHA is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of individual qualifications without regard to race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, pregnancy, national origin, ethnicity or ancestry, religion, age, disability, citizenship, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.
