Mediation Counsel

Be part of an organization dedicated to enhancing the practice of law and improving our community through programs that provide equal access to legal services. The Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) has a strong commitment to employee work-life balance and provides a stimulating work environment. BASF currently has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Mediation Counsel to be part of the team!

The Conflict Intervention Service is supported by grant funding from the Mayor’s Office on Housing and Community Development of the City and County of San Francisco and uses the spectrum of conflict resolution supports and mediation to resolve conflict that causes housing destabilization and eviction. CIS works as a neutral service provider to support both housing providers and residents in affordable and supportive public housing and landlords and tenants in privately owned dwellings. CIS also provides education on navigating the landlord-tenant and/or resident community relationships to de-escalate and resolve conflict, allowing for better communication and support to harmonize housing relationships. CIS employs both attorney-mediator and non-attorney mediators, as well as conflict navigators, and works with a roster of qualified independent contractor mediators, as needed. CIS also has resources for language interpretation and social worker support, as needed.

As a CIS Attorney Mediator, services will include the continuum of mediated services for conflict resolution services and education, and especially when the legal rights and obligations of landlords and tenants are in play. Regarding supervision for this position, the CIS Mediation Counsel works closely with and is supervised by the BASF ADR Director.

The work of the CIS Mediation Counsel assists both landlords and tenants, housing providers and residents alike, serving as a neutral to provide conflict navigation strategies and mediation to both. In addition, CIS Mediation Counsel also applies appropriate evaluation of those matters which are ineligible for services under current grant funding restrictions on income and asset holdings, and otherwise may provide services for a fee under the CIS fee for service guidelines.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
To the extent possible, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The duties and responsibilities commensurate with the role of the CIS Mediation Counsel in Private Housing include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following tasks:

CIS Mediation Counsel helps manage in larger and lesser amounts as needed, the CIS Helpline, email inquiries, and case intake and investigation; participates in the evaluation of appropriate case resolution strategies and supports; employs creative problem solving techniques on their own or other CIS cases; conducts preparatory calls with each participant to a mediation; conducts a scheduled mediation and may be involved in the aftercare of conflicts resolved, to stabilize agreements once a settlement is reached; provide referrals for services, including to the Lawyer Referral and Information Service for legal assistance; assist with outreach and message creation for CIS; provide CIS overview presentations, as needed. Recording keeping and case synopsis or narratives are also part of the work. Articles or blog posts may also be written to promote the program. Referrals to outside resources will also be a component of all staff mediators with the CIS.

• Conduct initial case investigation which assumes contact with disputants, case managers, property managers, social workers, etc., or any and all necessary parties to the resolution of the presenting conflict
• Clarify issues, concerns, needs, and interests of all parties involved
• Obtain appropriate documentation as may be needed, e.g. a tenant’s lease, income recertification form, previous stipulated agreement, etc
• Complete City and County income verification forms for residents and tenants who receive CIS services
• Facilitate communication between disputants to guide parties toward mutual agreement
• Provide communication advice, guidance and coaching
• Conduct initial meetings with disputants to enrich resolution opportunities
• Prepare written conflict resolution agreements for disputants to sign
• Provide referrals to legal assistance and social service supports, when appropriate
• Perform formal mediations
• Perform after care check ins, when needed
• Confer with CIS Mediation Counsel regularly
• Maintain independent mediation caseload while also participating in team mediation strategy support meetings
• Assist with in person visits to discuss and present about CIS, including at community events
• Assist with the development of the marketing and outreach materials of the CIS program
• Serve as point of contact with community partners for referrals to and from the program

 

EQUIPMENT OR MACHINES THAT MUST BE OPERATED TO PERFORM THE POSITION ACCEPTABLY

Computer, copier, fax and telephone.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an open area workstation at BASF’s office located in downtown San Francisco, during normal business hours, which are Monday through Friday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm, or 35 hours/week. On occasion, meetings before or after hours may occur; on occasion representation at events and offering of presentations outside the office may occur; and otherwise, CIS Mediation Counsel may conduct meetings is to work in the field.

EDUCATION

Licensed attorney with landlord-tenant law experience.
Certificated Mediator

EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with both landlords and tenants
• Familiarity with public housing conflicts and rules, a plus
• Familiarity with mental and behavioral health conditions
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Familiarity with the San Francisco Rent Ordinance and the Tenant Right to Counsel law
• Familiarity with project management software as well as and Google forms, docs, surveys, etc. a plus

 

PREREQUISITE SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

Language Requirements: Bilingual in Spanish or Chinese (preferred)

Working with Populations

Ability to work via phone, online and in-person, with clients, attorneys, BASF staff, volunteers, and partners in a professional, amicable and team-oriented manner

Why Work For Us:

We offer a collaborative work environment, a progressive work culture, and a wonderfully diverse staff. Additionally, we have a standard 35-hour workweek, flexible scheduling (manager’s discretion), and we are a mission and values based organization.

We also offer competitive pay and a generous benefits package that includes: a choice of medical insurance plans, dental insurance, vision insurance, pretax commuter, health, and dependent care accounts, employer paid short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, the opportunity to contribute to a retirement account, and more!

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter.

Equal Opportunity Employer

BASF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We conduct all employment-related activities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other classification protected by applicable Local, State or Federal employment discrimination laws. BASF welcomes diversity in the workplace.