Paralegal

Help USA • The Bronx, NY

5d

About The Position

The Homebase Paralegal provides legal intake and support to individuals and families in the New York City community experiencing housing instability or at imminent risk of homelessness. The role addresses common legal issues, including eviction, landlord-tenant matters, child support, and debt collection. It liaises with Bronx Housing Court and pro bono legal providers, enters data in CARES, and maintains confidential case records. The position also coordinates with internal and external programs and community partners to support referrals and integrated service delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• 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 clients’ 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.
• Assist clients with 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 law sources.
• Draft or prepare legal documents, potentially including subpoenas, advocacy letters, affidavits, stipulations, orders to show cause, motions, and administrative-hearing forms.
• Investigate case facts and law to help determine causes of action or defenses and prepare cases accordingly.
• File motions, briefs, pleadings, legal memoranda, and appeals; 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.
• Act as a client liaison and advocate, coordinating with internal and external programs and agencies to make referrals and support integrated services.
• 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 communications with HRA, including requesting benefits issuance printouts and checking application status.
• Support referrals and client communication throughout intake and/or the case.
• Interpret for clients and staff and translate documents and forms as needed.
• Provide information for weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual reports as needed.
• Advise potential clients of their legal rights and responsibilities.
• Potentially make calls to Marshals to inquire about clients’ eviction dates.
• Potentially handle NYCHA and HRA hearings.
• Build networks with legal stakeholders and community partners.
• Track external referrals and client outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time