Paralegal Casehandler, Brooklyn Tenant Defense
About The Position
The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Practice is seeking a Paralegal Casehandler to join the Brooklyn Neighborhood Office’s Housing Justice - Tenant Defense Unit to serve the borough of Brooklyn. 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
- 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
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit.
Nice To Haves
- Experience assisting people in crisis is desirable, but not required
- 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
- Conduct advocacy in eviction cases and termination hearings
- Develop community education materials for clients and other advocates
- 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
Benefits
- health insurance
- paid vacation
- disability
- life insurance
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- State and Federal loan forgiveness programs
- New York state assistance with loan repayments (depending on years of practice)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
