Paralegal Casehandler, Housing Justice Tenant Defense (Queens)

The Legal Aid Society•New York, NY

About The Position

The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Practice is seeking a Paralegal Casehandler at one or more of the following locations: Queens Housing Justice– Tenant Defense Unit. The Paralegal Casehandler works on their own cases as well as with the Housing Staff Attorneys to resolve benefits and advocacy issues, including, but not limited to obtaining rent arrears and ongoing rental assistance through appropriate programs, agency advocacy, representation of clients at administrative hearings, and outreach and training for affected client communities and service providers. The Paralegal Casehandler is on the front lines of assisting individuals and families to avoid imminent eviction.

Requirements

Eligible candidates must have at least one of the following:
A bachelor’s degree (strongly preferred)
A paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited paralegal program
At minimum a high school diploma / GED and 4+ years of legal work experience
4+ years of combined higher education and legal work experience
Excellent written, oral advocacy, and computer skills
Excellent organizational skills with ability to multi-task and manage a large workload
Ability to work independently as well as in a team
Ability to coordinate and collaborate successfully with other groups and organizations
Commitment to advocacy on behalf of low-income people and immigrants

Nice To Haves

Experience assisting people in crisis is desirable, but not required
In Queens, proficiency in languages other than English, especially Spanish, Mandarin, French Creole, Russian and/or Bengali is desirable, but not required

Responsibilities

Conduct intake/client interviews, provide advice and direct assistance, and assess requests for services
Represent clients at administrative hearings at HRA or other appropriate forums
Obtain rent arrears and ongoing rental assistance through FHEPS and other programs
Handle a high volume of individual cases and respond to the needs of community-based organizations
Work with staff attorneys and supervising attorneys to resolve the benefits issues involved with housing practice cases
Prepare motion documents including client affidavits/affirmations
Conduct advocacy in eviction cases and termination hearings
Develop community education materials and conduct trainings for clients and other advocates, as well as conduct trainings and community outreach
Maintain case records
Conduct virtual, courthouse-based, and off-site intake as needed, including during evening hours
Conduct policy advocacy on behalf of clients
Other duties as assigned