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 140 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

Reports to: Managing Paralegal

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Model: Hybrid, averaging 2 to 3 days/week in office and/or court

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 paralegal and 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 arrear funds, charity assistance, repair advocacy, advocacy with agencies issuing subsidies
• Refer cases to Coordinating and/or Managing Paralegal when clients you are assisting with out-ofcourt 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 and data entry 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 of 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: $58,500 – $64,000

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, 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 qualification requirements. A combination of education and experience will be considered unless specifically stated otherwise.