Paralegal

Program: Homebase Service Area 2 | 815 Burke Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467 

Position Summary: 

Homebase offers a range of homeless prevention services and aftercare support to individuals and families in the New York City community facing housing instability. These services extend to those who are at imminent risk for homelessness.

The Homebase Paralegal will complete legal intake, liaise with the Bronx Housing Court and other pro bono NYC legal providers, complete data entry in CARES and maintain confidential records. The paralegal would address the common issues faced by NYC residents including but not limited to eviction, landlord/tenant issues, child support, debt collection.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-person, telephone, or virtual intake to assess legal service needs including obtaining documentation.
• Provide Full and Advice services to clients seeking assistance with housing, tenant rights, benefits, etc.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive electronic and physical case files.
• Conduct field visits as needed to complete intake, assessment, or case follow-up services for homebound clients.
• Assist clients with completing applications for fair hearings, administrative proceedings, charitable housing grants and conduct follow up.
• Research and analyze law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, legal codes, etc.
• May draft or prepare legal documents such as subpoenas, letters of advocacy, affidavits, stipulations, OSCs (Order to Show Cause), motions, and forms for administrative hearings.
• Investigate facts and law of case to assist in determining causes of action/defenses and prepare case accordingly
• May file motions, briefs, pleadings, legal memos, and appeals with court clerk, copy court files, and/or serve papers on other parties
• Deliver or direct delivery of subpoenas to witnesses and parties to action, in accordance with all legal requirements
• 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.
• Assist clients in completing SCRIE (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption) and DRIE (Disability Rent Increase Exemption) applications
• Pickup checks from agencies and/or charities and deliver to the office, court, or office of opposing counsel
• Assist in communication with HRA (Human Resources Administration) benefits (e.g., request benefits issuance printouts, check application status, etc.)
• Assist with referral and client communication throughout duration of intake and/or case.
• Interpret for clients and staff as needed; translate documents, forms, etc.
• May provide all required information for weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual report
• Advise potential clients of their legal rights and responsibilities
• May assist with making Marshals’ calls to inquire about client’s eviction date.
• May handle NYCHA (New York City Housing Authority) and HRA hearings
• Engage and build networks with legal stakeholders and community partners.
• Track external referrals and client outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and 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.
• Spanish proficiency preferred.