Position: Case-Handling Paralegal, Housing UnitReports To: Supervisor Location(s): CAMBA Legal Services; 20 Snyder Avenue, Brooklyn NY, or 241 37th Street, Brooklyn, NYWhat does the Case-Handling Paralegal, Housing Unit,Do:- Assist clients in completing CAMBA intake applications, registrations and forms.
- Conduct legal intake and assessment of clients and clients' families' situations and needs.
- Conduct home visits in order to perform intake and follow-up services.
- Assist clients in completing benefits applications, fair hearings and other administrative proceedings.
- Research and analyze law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, legal codes, etc.
- Prepare legal documents such as subpoenas, letters of advocacy, affidavits, and forms for administrative hearings
- Investigate facts and law of case to determine causes of action/defenses and prepare case accordingly.
- File motions, briefs, pleadings, legal memos, and appeals with court clerk.
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive document/client files including up to date case note documentation.
- Deliver or direct delivery of subpoenas to witnesses and parties to action.
- Follow up with clients and other organizations regarding client progress toward legal goals/program outcomes.
- Recommend and implement strategies to persuade clients to participate fully in their own legal process.
- Act as client liaison/advocate to coordinate with internal and external programs and agencies to make referrals and to ensure integrated services delivery.
- Develop and report program performance to funders.
- With appropriate level of approval, negotiate with servicers on behalf of the clients.
- Maintain client data in several databases and/or other designed applications (i.e. - Home Counselor Online, Counselor Max, etc.)
- Prepare marketing and outreach materials for the program.
- Conduct outreach to the community in order to inform the community of the legal services and to recruit clients.
- Conduct presentations, workshops, and training for community-based organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Assist with the preparation and filing of motions, briefs, pleadings, legal memoranda, and appeals with courts and administrative agencies, as appropriate.
- Assist clients in completing SCRIE and DRIE applications.
- Pickup checks from agencies and/or charities and deliver to the office, court, or office of opposing counsel.
- Reach out and market the program to the community in order to recruit clients.
- Communication with HRA regarding client Public Assistance benefits (e.g., request benefits, issuance printouts, check application status, etc.).
- Assist in referral and client communication throughout duration of intake and/or case.
- Interpret for clients and staff as needed; translate documents, forms, etc.
- Act as law librarian, keeping and monitoring legal volumes and ensuring legal volumes are up-to-date.
- Provide all required information for weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual report.
- provide group presentations to advise potential clients of their legal rights and responsibilities.
- Process applications for charitable housing and other grants and conduct follow-up.
- Notarize legal documents as needed, provided the paralegal is a licensed notary.
- Handle NYCHA and HRA hearings.
- Assist with HPD and HCR administrative proceedings.
- Handle public assistance hearings for existing CAMBA clients, subject to supervisor's discretion and provided the paralegal has received adequate training for such tasks.
- May assist existing CAMBA clients with FHEPS applications, and/or other types of rental arrears/ subsidy applications.
- Perform other related tasks as reasonably assigned, including in limited circumstances assisting with the tasks and responsibilities of administrative paralegals.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education, Licenses and/or Certifications Required: Associate's degree (A.A.) and two years applicable experience or bachelor's degree (B. A. or B.S.) and/or equivalent experience.
Preferred Qualifications: - Prior experience working with Housing matters preferred.
- Bi-lingual preferred (Spanish, Haitian Creole, French, Arabic, Russian, Urdu).
CAMBA'S Specific Competencies: Organization:
- Manages multiple projects.
- Determines project urgency in a practical way; uses goals to guide actions.
- Creates detailed action plans.
- Organizes and schedules people and tasks effectively.
Confidentiality:
- Remains sensitive to Human Resource issues and maintains confidentiality, neutrality and objectivity as appropriate.
Compensation: $63,860 - $96,551 annually
Status: Full-time (35 hours weekly)
Benefits: CAMBA offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, paid time off (vacation, personal, and sick time), and paid holidays.
