Senior Paralegal

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State.

A Civil Service exam is not required for this position. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered.

NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

The Office of Legal Affairs provides legal advice, counsel and representation to all the Agencies’ offices and program areas and ensures that all matters comply with federal and state legal mandates. The primary functions are organized within four major subject matter areas or units; General Law, Litigation, Hearings, and Transactions.

Responsibilities: 
The senior paralegal will primarily be responsible for assisting attorneys in the legal department with respect to individual homebuyer transaction closings in connection with the Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program (AHOP) and related programs of the New York State Housing Finance Agency (HFA) which includes: (1) assisting in the review of loan documents, if any, prepared by a senior purchase money mortgage lender for individual eligible homebuyer closings of AHOP projects including, but not limited to, the senior promissory note/mortgage; (2) assisting in the review of all relevant documents provided by individual eligible homebuyers, including, but not limited to, the title report/policy; (3) assisting in the review of any additional documentation to address any legal issues that may arise in connection with individual eligible homebuyer closings in the AHOP program.

 The senior paralegal will also assist with other real estate and loan transactions financed by HFA, as well as broad HCR administrative matters.  The position requires: (a) legal research and writing assignments; (b) attending mortgage closings and assisting in-house attorneys will all matters relating to such closings, both in advance of and in connection with the actual closing; (c) preparing mortgage closing transcripts; and (g) any other tasks deemed necessary by the Counsel or Deputy Counsel. The senior paralegal will also perform legal research for attorneys and assist attorneys in providing routine legal services related to the HFA’s loan management and mortgage enforcement efforts for housing projects.

QUALIFICATIONS:            

• BA/BS and Paralegal Certificate preferred. 
• Must be well trained in paralegal practices with at least three (3) years of law office experience to include real estate transactional experience such as residential or commercial loan closings, foreclosures, preparation of UCC filings and various real estate documents.  
• Ability to multi-task research, assignments, and projects.
• Working knowledge of ACRIS, Lexis Advance, Accurint, Westlaw, and Image Silo.
• Must be self-motivated, a team player, and able to take on responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff and attorneys and outside contacts.
• Good typing, word processing, spreadsheet and other computer skills.
• Excellent communication, writing, organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to be precise and good facility in making distinctions.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to be productive.
• Good attendance and punctuality.
• Licensed as a NYS Notary Public 

 This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned. 

What we offer at NYSHCR: 

• Extensive benefits package including paid leave, including excellent health, dental, vision and retirement benefits with the New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System.
• Promotional opportunity for dedicated professionals
• Work life balance benefits including a 37.5 hour work week and paid time off benefits including, vacation, sick, personal days, and Federal Holidays
• Opportunity for compressed scheduling
• 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Family Leave
• Opportunity for compressed/flextime scheduling
• As a New York State employee, you may qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for an eligible employer.

 Additional SONYMA/HFA/AHC Benefits: 

• Cash in for Wellness! This program provides you with the option of buying or renewing a health club membership of your choice or enrolling in a weight loss and or smoking cessation program, using your sick leave accruals.
• Tuition reimbursement program – for job related and non-job related courses
• Vacation Leave Buy-Back program – Subject to approval, every year eligible employees may exchange previously earned and accrued vacation time in return for cash compensation (at employee’s daily rate of pay at time of exchange)
• Access to Plum Benefits – savings on movie tickets, theme parks, hotels, tours, Broadway shows and more!
• Optical reimbursement program – Employees are eligible for optical, hearing aid, and podiatric expenses not otherwise covered by insurance, with a maximum aggregate amount of $650 per year, per family. Unused yearly balances may be carried over to the next year for a maximum of $1300 

About New York State Homes and Community Renewal: 

Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas, HCR is a vibrant, innovative agency that integrates and leverages New York State’s housing resources. We have offices in New York City, Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse, and employ a diverse workforce of professionals who are hard-working and committed to serving low and moderate income families. Our mission is far reaching, encompassing single and multifamily housing finance, home improvement, rent regulation, housing subsidies, and community development. We partner regularly with a variety of public and private stakeholders. 

Achieving this mission requires a wide range of skills and backgrounds in public policy, administration, real estate, construction. finance, law, and many other areas of expertise. We seek to provide a workplace environment that is productive, flexible, accountable, ethical, and caring. Our employees are empowered to make a difference where they live and work. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, vision, retirement, and family-friendly policies.