Director of Internal Legal Affairs
Position Purpose
Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, plan, organize, control and direct legal services to HASCO; provide advice regarding real property development, proposed legislation, risk control, government contracts and procurement and other matters; manage litigation and defend the Authority in various lawsuits; supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Plan, organize, control and direct legal services at HASCO. Participate in the formulation of policy.
- Draft, revise, and edit contract documents for program personnel in various HASCO programs; review and approve forms related to contracts executed by the CEO; recommend revisions as necessary; draft special contracts as needed.
- Advise regarding real property development issues including proposed development projects and related documentation.
- Advise the CEO, leadership team, and Board of Commissioners with areas related to policies adopted or proposed for adoption by HASCO. Conduct group or individual interviews to discuss proposed policies and related issues; draft policies or review and edit proposed drafts; discuss and advise the CEO and/or the Board regarding the pros and cons of provisions of the proposed policy.
- Monitor proposed legislation and advise HASCO personnel with respect to implementation of new policies; make presentations to internal and external groups as needed; keep the CEO and Board apprised of changes in laws.
- Advise managerial personnel with regard to risk control issues; receive and respond to safety issues; provide training on liability issues as needed; participate in meetings regarding insurance coverage.
- Advise various personnel related to government contracts and procurement issues; apply and interpret procurement rules; respond to inquiries regarding the annual audit or investigations by HUD concerning procurement matters.
- Manage litigation and represent HASCO in litigation to which it is a party; defend HASCO in various lawsuits, oversee litigation management; work with insurance administrator contract adjustor, and attorney as appropriate; evaluate claims and make recommendations regarding proper actions such as settlement; track claims defended by insurance company attorneys.
- Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff.
- Develop and prepare the annual preliminary budget for the ILA team; analyze and review budgetary and financial data; control and authorize expenditures in accordance with established limitations.
- Oversee landlord-tenant practices and legal services.
- Exhibit an understanding of concern for the needs of those experiencing poverty.
- Ability to work cooperatively with a wide range of individuals and interests using a Trauma-Informed lens. Understand the wide impact of trauma and how to avoid re-traumatization of those interacted with.
- Other assigned duties related to the general functions described above.
- Assist employees in other departments by answering questions, locating information, and explaining procedures, policies, and/or schedules.
- Coordinates the division’s activities with other programs in the department and other HASCO departments as appropriate.
- Performs all duties of subordinate level employees as required.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Responsible for supervising assigned staff and providing back-up supervision for other staff as needed. Provides clear and continual feedback to staff.
Qualifications and Competencies
- Thorough and attentive to details; able to prioritize and multitask; proactive and detail oriented. Ability to maintain organization in a changing environment.
- Ability to establish and maintain necessary records and prepare clear, concise, and complete required reports. Prepare contract documents for program personnel.
- Understand budget preparation and control.
- Maintain principles and practices of administration, supervision, ethics, and training.
- Analyze and evaluate programs, policies, and operational needs.
- Understand and execute oral and written instructions.
- Skill in dealing with the general public; uses tact, discretion and courtesy when interacting with clients and callers.
- Ability to present and maintain a professional demeanor, remain calm while under pressure and effectively cope with interruptions and special instructions.
- Exercise good judgment, maintain confidentiality and represent HASCO with discreet professionalism.
- Ability to work within program guidelines and regulations while maintaining an enthusiastic, energetic and motivated attitude. Identify alternatives, project consequences of proposed actions, and provide final determinations.
- Ability to work effectively with managers and employees at all levels of the organization.
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License and acceptable driving record at time of appointment and throughout employment are required in this position.
Education and/or Experience
A typical way to obtain the qualifications and competencies is:
Eight years’ experience as an attorney, or related legal experience. Juris Doctorate required. Washington State Bar Association membership. The Director of Internal Legal Affairs will have experience and demonstrated expertise in three (3) or more of the following practice areas: Fair Housing laws; real estate and land use; public works construction; financing of public projects, including but not limited to tax-credit projects; federal purchasing and contracting laws and regulations; landlord-tenant law; laws regulating public agencies and public municipalities; the Washington State Housing Authorities Law, Chapter 35.82 RCW; federal laws and regulations involving Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs; federal laws and regulations involving low income housing and other related programs, including but not limited to Moving to Work, Section 3 requirements, etc.
Communication Skills
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with people from a variety of cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds; individuals with disabilities hindering communication; and individuals lacking fluency in verbal or written English. Exhibits diplomacy and effective listening skills when communicating with clients and staff members.
Computer Skills
Strong computer skills especially Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Word. Ability to perform thorough internet searches, accurately complete data entry logs and clearly transmit information through email. HASCO is largely a paperless office, and employees need a thorough knowledge of desktop systems and an aptitude for learning new computer programs.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to regularly sit, talk and/or hear. The employee will constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must also occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision and color vision.
Work is performed primarily in an office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will operate standard office equipment including computers, telephone, and related equipment.
Contacts
Work requires frequent contact with HASCO staff, Board of Commissioners, local public officials, Federal, State and County program administrators, homeowners and investor-owners, financial lending institutions, contractors, representatives from other agencies and businesses, and the general public.