Group Paralegal

AGENCY BACKGROUND:

Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization founded in 1979 that has grown into a leading multi-service agency with over 140 staff 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 crises resolved, clients move seamlessly to capacity building services through our holistic programs designed to transition individuals and families to self-sufficiency. 

• Our Legal Services, Social Services, and Weatherization programs meet community members’ basic needs including housing, income, nutrition and health. 
• Our Community Organizing program empowers groups of residents to collectively secure longer term and larger scale improvements to their own basic needs. 
• Our Education & Career Services program imparts individual community members with the practical tools necessary to build secure and prosperous futures.

Job Title: Group Paralegal

Department: Legal, Organizing, & Advocacy 

Reports to: Managing Attorney for Buildings & Group Advocacy

Location: Main Office, 45 Wadsworth Avenue, New York, NY 10033

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Model: Hybrid, Averaging 3 days per week in office

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

NMIC’s Group Paralegal works with our highly skilled and experienced interdisciplinary Organizing & Group Advocacy team. Assists attorneys and organizers with client housing-related matters in Manhattan and the Bronx.  Provides paralegal assistance to NMIC Organizing & Group Advocacy clients and clients referred to NMIC for issues related to housing.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Give clients advice on housing court cases under supervision and in consultation with a NMIC housing attorney supervisor.
• Interview clients, conduct client intakes, and assess cases for legal representation.
• Develop and implement base-building and membership recruitment strategies.
• Coordinate and lead community education meetings, workshops, and events.
• Work on special projects and campaigns as needed.
• Work with buildings to create tenant groups, attend tenant group meetings, and support these groups through court and administrative cases. 
• Coordinate with Buildings Unit attorneys to contact tenants to secure access dates or other relevant information. 
• Prepare housing subsidy and/or rental arrears applications and advocate for public benefits.
• Maintain daily and consistent case notes and status updates in NMIC’s proprietary database.
• Coordinate with the Assistant Managing Paralegal, the Managing Paralegal, and the reporting team, to ensure data is captured in compliance with NMIC reporting requirements.
• Organize and maintain client files in compliance with grant requirements.
• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong preference for candidates with a BA or enrolled in a BA program in a certified institution.
• Strong organizational, writing and public speaking skills. 
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, including MS Word and Excel. 
• Fluency in English/Spanish required.
• Experience in advocacy preferred.

SALARY/BENEFITS:

NMIC offers a competitive salary based on experience and education as well as a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance; paid time off including 20 vacation days, 15 sick days, 5 personal days, 11 agency holidays, plus the week off from Christmas Eve through New Year's Day; 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 requirements in terms of qualifications.  An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered unless specifically stated otherwise.