Paralegal Req-5192

BronxWorks•New York, NY

5h•$52,000 - $65,000•Hybrid

About The Position

BronxWorks seeks Public Benefits paralegals eager to work in a fast-paced, dynamic setting and zealously advance creative strategies to help vulnerable clients avoid eviction and remain in their homes. Each paralegal will support a team of staff attorneys, reporting to the Legal Service department’s Case Management Supervisor, and will also provide direct client advocacy. The role involves supporting case administration, advocating for clients at administrative hearings and proceedings, as well as assisting clients to access and retain benefits and subsidies. The Early Intervention Team offers an excellent opportunity to launch or grow a public interest career, hone paralegal and case management skills, and meaningfully contribute to efforts to prevent displacement of Bronx communities.

Requirements

Associate degree and two years applicable experience or bachelor’s degree.
Excellent research, oral and written communication, and analytical skills.
Strong attention to detail and concern for quality and accuracy.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills. Able to effectively communicate and build trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds, external resource providers, and people experiencing crisis.
High degree of professional ethics and integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Exceptional time management and organizational skills including the ability to manage a diverse and fast-paced caseload, multi-task, and produce quality work on tight deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft office suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Sharepoint, and other standard business technology, including electronic case management and communication systems.
Must be able to work effectively within a team structure as well as independently.

Nice To Haves

Verbal and written proficiency in a language other than English, especially Spanish or another language commonly spoken by Bronx residents.
Prior professional experience assisting clients with housing subsidy applications, such as emergency rent arrears assistance, FHEPS, CityFHEPS.
Prior professional experience with public benefits assistance and advocacy.
Prior paralegal experience in a litigation practice.
Paralegal certificate.
Demonstrated commitment to social justice and working in with low-income and vulnerable populations and communities of color to advance equity.

Responsibilities

Under attorney supervision, communicate case information to clients.
Assist clients in applying for and securing housing subsidies and public benefits, such as emergency rent arrears assistance, FHEPS, CityFHEPS, cash assistance, SNAP/Food Stamps, WIC, and HASA benefits.
Serve as client liaison/advocate to coordinate with internal and external programs and agencies to ensure timely and integrated service delivery.
Assess client needs and make referrals to appropriate services both within and outside BronxWorks.
Analyze rent-stabilized client rent amounts and advocate to correct unlawful rents.
May assist clients in completing applications for fair hearings and other administrative proceedings.
May represent clients as housing advocate in administrative agency proceedings and hearings, such as before HRA, HCR, or HPD, including to challenge denials, reductions, or terminations of public benefits and housing subsidies, and including in NYCHA termination of tenancy proceedings.
Assist attorneys at court and administrative proceedings.
Under attorney supervision, research legal sources and procedural requirements.
Under attorney supervision, draft documents such as subpoenas, letters of advocacy, affidavits, stipulations, orders to show cause, motions, petitions, and forms for administrative hearings.
Investigate case facts, interview clients and witnesses, collect documents, and assist in developing case strategies.