Housing Paralegal

AGENCY BACKGROUND:

Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization founded in 1979. NMIC has grown into a leading multi-service agency with over 120 staff members serving New York City with a focus on upper Manhattan and the Bronx. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for positive change in the lives of the people in our community on their paths to secure and prosperous futures. Integration is the cornerstone of NMIC’s programs, and our staff can identify and address a broad array of immediate needs through comprehensive crisis intervention services. With their matters resolved, clients move seamlessly to capacity building services through our holistic programs designed to transition individuals and families to self-sufficiency.

• Our Legal, Organizing, Advocacy, and Weatherization programs meet community member’s basic needs including legal representation, immigration assistance, housing advocacy, tenant organizing, financial services, DV and health related matters
• Our Education & Career Services program impacts individual community members with the practical tools necessary to build secure and prosperous futures

Job Title: Housing Paralegal

Department: Legal, Organizing, & Advocacy Unit: Housing & Public Benefits Unit

Reports to: Managing Housing Paralegal

Location: Manhattan Office: 45 Wadsworth Avenue, NY, NY 10033

FLSA: Non-Exempt

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

NMIC’s Housing Paralegal works with our highly skilled and experienced, interdisciplinary legal team. Provide paralegal assistance to NMIC clients and clients referred to NMIC for issues related to housing. Partner with attorneys with client housing-related matters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for maintaining active caseload, including tracking relevant deadlines and proper client communication
• Conduct client intakes in NMIC’s Clienttrack database system and provide intake information to supervising attorneys
• Assist staff attorneys in pending eviction cases, including working with the appropriate agencies in obtaining benefits sought/advocacy needs
• Assist clients in out-of-court matters, including obtaining arrears funds, charity assistance, repair advocacy, advocacy with agencies issuing subsidies.
• Refer cases to Supervising Attorney when clients you are assisting with out-of-court matters are served with court documents.
• Prepare government housing subsidy applications and advocate for public benefits.
• Collaboratively develop approaches to affordable housing retention.
• Maintain daily and consistent case notes and status updates in NMIC’s Clienttrack database.
• Organize and maintain client files in compliance with grant, reporting, and ethical requirements.
• Assist with reporting when necessary
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of programs and/or subsidies available to assist client base
• Participate in supervision, case planning conferences, training and staff meetings. Additional related responsibilities may be assigned as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred though work experience will be considered.
• Fluency in English/Spanish is required.
• Advocacy experience preferred, especially with immigrant communities.
• Knowledge of trauma and strong commitment to social justice.
• Knowledge working with diverse and underserved communities preferred.
• Demonstrated computer/technology literacy.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and verbal/written communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and to interact with management and program staff.

SALARY/BENEFITS: NMIC offers a competitive salary based on experience and education as well as a comprehensive and generous benefits package: medical, dental, life, and disability insurance are included; paid time off, including 20 vacation days, 15 sick days, 5 personal days, and 12 agency holidays; a 401k with agency contribution; and other benefits.

NMIC IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: NMIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages candidates of diverse backgrounds to apply for employment. Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirements. A combination of education and experience will be considered unless specifically stated otherwise

TO APPLY: Please address all applications to Kimberly Warner, Assistant Director for Housing & Public Benefits, at with the job title in the subject line and include the following:

● Cover letter

● Resume

● One writing sample

All attachments must be submitted in Word or PDF format. No telephone calls, please.