Paralegal - Tier I

Title:                  Paralegal Tier 1

Reports to:        Supervising Paralegal

Status:               Exempt

Site:                   Bronx

Division:            Legal Services

Salary:               $65,000   

Summary:

Paralegals are essential to our office. The Paralegals must assist the attorneys with checking into the Court Parts, speaking to the clients in court to keep them updated on the status of the court case;, submitting, conforming and serving Orders to Show Cause and other motions, paying off cases that are ready to discontinue, and Preparing Orders to Show Cause, Stipulations and Motions. Participation in our Universal Access Day is required and includes interviewing clients to determine eligibility for our programs and for legal representation. Paralegals supervising paralegals at NAICA.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Provide clients with counseling and assisting to ensure maintenance of housing.
• Handle a full caseload of full representation non-payment and holdover proceedings in Bronx Housing Court and the NYCHA part.
• Handle litigation before administrative agencies as necessary, including NYCHA termination hearings, etc.
• Conduct outreach, including facilitating educational workshops and training.
• Represent tenants at trial.
• Prepare legal agreements, documents, motions, orders to show cause, etc.
• Judge the merits and spot the issues of court cases that we are assigned by the court, the Department of Social Services, or self-referred.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and social justice.
• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and training. 
• Maintain current and accurate documentation, progress notes, and data tools both physically and electronically.
• Maintain Confidentiality.
• Maintain a professional appearance.
• Time management and prioritization.
• Interacting with other departmental staff.
• Perform general clerical duties.
• Develop and maintain good communication with other programs and units within the organization to facilitate inter-agency referrals.
• Provide coverage for other areas as directed/needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Work Schedule and Conditions:

• Hybrid work schedule however, candidates must be available to work onsite as needed.

Qualifications: 

• Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English for administrative purposes.
• Must pass drug screening to be appointed.
• This position may be subject to a series of investigations before and after appointment. 
• Bachelor’s Degree.
• High School diploma is a must; some college is preferred with comparable experience in a legal setting or Paralegal Certification with comparable experience in a legal setting.
• Ability to handle stressful environment.
• Strong team building skills.
• Professional ethics and integrity.
• Excellent communication, writing and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to speak, read and write in Spanish.
• Superb and meticulous attention to detail.

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

NAICA is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment. As such, discrimination in any aspect of hiring or employment based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), or other applicable legally protected characteristics is strictly prohibited.

Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. NAICA will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. NAICA also offers reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Applicants seeking an accommodation for any part of the application or interview process should contact Human Resources by sending an email to HumanResources@naicany.org with the Subject “Reasonable Accommodation Request.”

NAICA Offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Benefits for full-time employees
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plans
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• Paid Holidays and Vacation
• Paid Time-off
• Vol Life Insurance and AD&D
• Term Life and AD&D insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program support (EAP)
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Aflac: Short-Term Disability, CA, Accident and Hospital
• Employee Discount Program

False Statements

Misrepresentation of your experience, skills, or education, or submission of false/fraudulent information or documentation during the application process may result in the rejection of your application or termination of your employment. 

At-Will Employment Disclaimer: 

While we sincerely hope to form a long and mutually beneficial relationship, please note that NAICA is an at-will employer. Under these terms, employment is subject to termination at any time, without notice and with or without cause, at the discretion of the organization.