Paralegal

HELP USA • New York, NY

6d

About The Position

The Homebase Paralegal supports homeless prevention services and aftercare for individuals and families in the New York City community experiencing housing instability or imminent risk of homelessness. The role completes legal intake, coordinates with Bronx Housing Court and pro bono legal providers, enters data in CARES, and maintains confidential records. It addresses common legal issues including eviction, landlord-tenant matters, child support, and debt collection. The paralegal also assists clients with legal processes, applications, referrals, advocacy, and coordination with community partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a 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.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-person, telephone, or virtual intake to assess legal service needs and obtain documentation.
• Provide full and advice services to clients seeking assistance with housing, tenant rights, benefits, and related matters.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive electronic and physical case files.
• Conduct field visits as needed for intake, assessment, or follow-up with homebound clients.
• Help clients complete applications for fair hearings, administrative proceedings, and charitable housing grants, and conduct follow-up.
• Research and analyze statutes, judicial decisions, legal articles, legal codes, and other legal sources.
• Draft or prepare legal documents such as subpoenas, advocacy letters, affidavits, stipulations, orders to show cause, motions, and administrative hearing forms.
• Investigate the facts and law of cases to help determine causes of action or defenses and prepare cases accordingly.
• File motions, briefs, pleadings, legal memoranda, and appeals with court clerks; copy court files; and/or serve papers on other parties.
• Deliver or arrange delivery of subpoenas to witnesses and parties in accordance with legal requirements.
• Recommend and implement strategies to encourage clients to participate fully in their legal processes.
• Coordinate with internal and external programs and agencies as a client liaison and advocate, making referrals and supporting integrated service delivery.
• Assist clients with SCRIE and DRIE applications.
• Pick up checks from agencies or charities and deliver them to the office, court, or opposing counsel’s office.
• Assist with HRA benefits communications, including requesting benefits issuance printouts and checking application status.
• Support referrals and client communications throughout intake and/or the case.
• Interpret for clients and staff as needed and translate documents and forms.
• Provide information for weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual reports as needed.
• Advise potential clients of their legal rights and responsibilities.
• Assist with calls to marshals to inquire about clients’ eviction dates as needed.
• Handle NYCHA and HRA hearings as needed.
• Build networks with legal stakeholders and community partners.
• Track external referrals and client outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance through Cigna, including dental and vision, with an option covering the entire family with minimal employee contribution.
• Generous paid time off.
• 401(k) with company contribution, even if the employee does not contribute.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time