Paralegal

Help USA; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Help USA is seeking a Paralegal to support Homebase Service Area in Bronx, NY. The role includes legal intake, liaison with housing court and pro bono NYC providers, and data entry in CARES, with confidential record management.

The candidate will address eviction and landlord/tenant issues, assist with fair hearings, prepare necessary documents, and coordinate referrals to ensure integrated services delivery for NYC residents at risk of homelessness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a paralegal certificate from an ABA-accredited program.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Knowledge of NY state and NYC housing regulations and subsidies.
• Experience coordinating with community partners and organizations.
• Strong verbal and written communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills; accurate record-keeping.
• Spanish proficiency preferred to assist clients when needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake in person, by phone, or virtually to assess legal service needs.
• Provide full and advice services on housing and tenant rights.
• Maintain electronic and physical case files with confidentiality.
• Perform outreach and field visits for homebound clients as required.
• Assist with applications for fair hearings and housing-related programs.
• Research statutes, case law, and legal codes; prepare legal documents as needed.
• File motions, pleadings, and memos; serve papers as required.
• Coordinate referrals with internal and external programs and agencies.
• Translate documents and interpret for clients and staff as needed.
• Prepare periodic reports and advise clients on rights and responsibilities.
• Engage with housing authorities and HRA benefits processes as applicable.
• Track client outcomes and external referrals; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Independent work

Verbal communication

Written communication

Negotiation

Organizational skills

Documentation

Spanish language

Community resources knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree and ABA-accredited paralegal certificate

Job description

Program: Homebase Service Area 2 | 815 Burke Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467

Position Summary

Homebase offers a range of homeless prevention services and aftercare support to individuals and families in the New York City community facing housing instability. These services extend to those who are at imminent risk for homelessness.

The Homebase Paralegal will complete legal intake, liaise with the Bronx Housing Court and other pro bono NYC legal providers, complete data entry in CARES and maintain confidential records. The paralegal would address the common issues faced by NYC residents including but not limited to eviction, landlord/tenant issues, child support, debt collection.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct in-person, telephone, or virtual intake to assess legal service needs including obtaining documentation.
• Provide Full and Advice services to clients seeking assistance with housing, tenant rights, benefits, etc.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive electronic and physical case files.
• Conduct field visits as needed to complete intake, assessment, or case follow-up services for homebound clients.
• Assist clients with completing applications for fair hearings, administrative proceedings, charitable housing grants and conduct follow up.
• Research and analyze law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, legal codes, etc.
• May draft or prepare legal documents such as subpoenas, letters of advocacy, affidavits, stipulations, OSCs (Order to Show Cause), motions, and forms for administrative hearings.
• Investigate facts and law of case to assist in determining causes of action/defenses and prepare case accordingly
• May file motions, briefs, pleadings, legal memos, and appeals with court clerk, copy court files, and/or serve papers on other parties
• Deliver or direct delivery of subpoenas to witnesses and parties to action, in accordance with all legal requirements
• Recommend and implement strategies to persuade clients to participate fully in their own legal process.
• Act as client liaison/advocate to coordinate with internal and external programs and agencies to make referrals and to ensure integrated services delivery.
• Assist clients in completing SCRIE (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption) and DRIE (Disability Rent Increase Exemption) applications
• Pickup checks from agencies and/or charities and deliver to the office, court, or office of opposing counsel
• Assist in communication with HRA (Human Resources Administration) benefits (e.g., request benefits issuance printouts, check application status, etc.)
• Assist with referral and client communication throughout duration of intake and/or case.
• Interpret for clients and staff as needed; translate documents, forms, etc.
• May provide all required information for weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual report
• Advise potential clients of their legal rights and responsibilities
• May assist with making Marshals’ calls to inquire about client’s eviction date.
• May handle NYCHA (New York City Housing Authority) and HRA hearings
• Engage and build networks with legal stakeholders and community partners.
• Track external referrals and client outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and paralegal certificate from an ABA-accredited paralegal program.
• Ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of relevant state and county regulations.
• Experience with and knowledge of NYC/NYS housing subsidies.
• Ability to coordinate and work well with community partners and organizations.
• Strong verbal, written and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Knowledge of community resources including social services, housing, and financial assistance.
• Spanish proficiency preferred.