Paralegal - Tier 1 at Neighborhood Association for Inter-Cultural Affairs, Inc. – Jamaica, New York

Join a team where your professional growth directly impacts vulnerable families across New York City by providing crucial housing services and eviction prevention legal support that helps clients achieve permanent, stable housing.

At NAICA, we’re committed to being an employer of choice by attracting top talent, fostering an engaging work environment, and providing the support you need to advance your career while making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Title: Paralegal - Tier I 

Location: New York Metropolitan Area

Reports to: Supervising Paralegal

Pay Range: $38.73 – $38.73 per hour (effectively $70,500 – $70,500 per year)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Status: Full-time (35 hour per week)

Role Summary: The successful candidate will serve as a vital support to attorneys, assisting with tasks such as checking into Court Parts, updating clients on case statuses during court proceedings, submitting, conforming, and serving Orders to Show Cause, settling cases ready for discontinuance, and preparing legal documents including Orders to Show Cause, Stipulations, and Motions. Participation in our Universal Access Day is mandatory, which involves interviewing clients to evaluate their eligibility for our programs and legal representation. Paralegals will report to staff attorneys and the supervising attorney at NAICA.

Primary Job Responsibilities/Duties:

The Paralegal Tier I is responsible for, but not limited to: 

Assisting clients in the office with questions regarding their court cases.  Supporting attorneys with cases in Bronx Housing Court and NYCHA Part.  Submitting, conforming, and serving legal documents as required.  Preparing legal agreements, documents, motions, and Orders to Show Cause to assist attorneys.  Evaluating the merits of court cases assigned by the court, the Department of Social Services, or through self-referral.  Providing oral and written translation assistance for attorneys representing non-English-speaking clients.  Advocating with various organizations and government agencies on behalf of vulnerable, low-income tenants to ensure access to or retention of public benefits. 

Physical Requirements:

Ability to walk, stand, kneel, crouch, and bend over. Ability to lift, reach, and handle objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods. Ability to travel to different locations within New York City, as needed.

Work Environment / Schedule Requirements: 

While standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, employees may be required to work on or during evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications:  

High school diploma is required.  Some college is preferred, along with comparable experience in a legal setting, or a Paralegal Certification with equivalent legal experience.  Ability to thrive in stressful environments.  Strong team-building skills.  Demonstrated professional ethics and integrity.  Excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills.  Proven ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish.  Exceptional attention to detail with a meticulous approach.  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.  

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.” 

Competitive Benefits Package

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, education, or other qualifications, or submission of false/fraudulent information or documentation during or after 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 working relationship, NAICA is an at-will employer. Therefore, employment is subject to termination at any time, with or without notice or cause, at the discretion of you or the organization.