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Benefits Paralegal II (3 positions)

Housing Help Program

DATE: 9/10/07 (reposted)
UNION STATUS: 1199
DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Housing Help Program – Bronx and Brooklyn
JOB CODE: P2120E
REPORTS TO: Supervising Attorney
FULL/PART TIME: FT
LOCATION: Bronx Housing Court –1118 Southern Boulevard
Brooklyn Housing Court – 141 Livingston Street

As a result of the expansion of a grant, the Housing Help Program (HHP) is seeking Paralegal IIs to work in the HHP in the Bronx (1 position) and in Brooklyn (2 positions). The HHP provides clients with legal and social services, with the dual objectives of preventing the immediate threat of homelessness, and stabilizing families over time to reduce the risk of homelessness in partnership with a social services agency.

Major Purpose of Position

The Paralegal II positions are based either in the Bronx or Brooklyn Housing Court and are integral members of the legal team that assists tenants in Housing Court and at administrative hearings. The Paralegals will also have the opportunity to attend negotiation sessions, court proceedings and act as a liaison to court personnel.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

  • Provide direct assistance to clients in the benefits area
  • Interview and assess clients for representation
  • Assist attorneys in fact development
  • Represent clients at administrative hearings
  • Work with attorneys and social workers to resolve the government benefits issues involved with cases
  • Obtain rent arrears payments and Jiggetts or FEPS preliminary rental arrears relief
  • Document preparation and advocacy on eviction cases and termination hearings
  • Advocate with various agencies regarding government benefits
  • Policy advocacy on behalf of clients

Secondary Duties/Responsibilities

  • Other duties as assigned

Training And Qualifications

  • Paralegal certificate from an accredited school, Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or satisfactory completion of a comprehensive in-house training course appropriate to practice area
  • Experience in and/or commitment to advocacy on behalf of low-income people is strongly desired
  • Strong writing, verbal, organization, and computer skills
  • This position may require home visits to homebound clients, off-site intake and evening hours
  • Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable, but not required

To Apply:

Please e-mail cover letter and resume and writing sample to KAMohamed@legal-aid.org with the subject line "PARA II - HHP"

The Legal Aid Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Women, People of Color, Gays and Lesbians, Transgender People, Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.