Paralegal Specialist

HANAC, Inc. – originally founded by George Douris as the Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee – is a New York City-based multi-faceted social services organization. The organization was founded in 1972 to serve the needs of vulnerable populations throughout New York City.  

Program: Legal Victim & Witness Program
Location: Astoria, NY. 11102
Position: Paralegal Specialist
Part-time: 16 hours/ week
Salary: $34 per hour, no negotiation.      
Work Schedule: Monday to Wednesday (9:00 Am to 1:00 Pm). Afternoons when are required.

Provide information and assistance to individuals who are victims of a crime in the Civil, Criminal, and Immigration systems. Welcome clients and assess them with legal matters, provide appropriate responses based on the program attorney review, and maintain track of the data caseload.

Major Functions/Accountabilities

• Record work time on ADP and report to the manager any issue related to attendance.
• Open contacts and matters in CLIO & immigration program accounts. Data and notes are required to be maintained on a daily bases.
• All documents are reviewed in Grammarly HANAC premium accounts first before sending drafts for review.
• Update caseload in excel with the services statistics.
• Complete court forms for program attorney review.
• Prepare client`s matters to submit in New York City courts and post office.
• Handle sensitive and personal information with an understanding and respect for client confidentiality.
• Maintain HIPPA regulations is required.
• Respond to telephone & e-mail requests for information and following up with clients & coworkers.
• Act as a liaison between the clients and any city departments or service departments.
• Make copies of any relevant material & prepare trial notebooks, affidavits, motions, claims, forms, and communications for client`s cases.
• Attend client`s hearings with the program attorney.
• Work with HANAC staff on client matters.
• Apply program assessments and elaborate safety planning when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Program Director and program attorney related to research in client`s cases.
• Organizing and archiving the documents related to completed and ongoing cases.
• Keeping track of changes in the legal framework and providing timely updates on these changes.
• Help with translations from Spanish to English when needed. The same help with the translation of Spanish to English, and other languages with the use of a translation line.
• Other office assignments and reports preparation upon attorney and management request.
• This job requires permanent traveling to the NYC Courts, and Police Precincts and maintaining receipts for transportation logs and reimbursements.
• Apply HANAC handbook policies all the time. Business attire is required Monday to Thursday. Remote work is allowed after probation, this position is mostly onsite.
• Apply and follow the program services manual.
• Attend training available.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree, minimum from an accredited four-year university or equivalent combination of training and experience, may be substituted for the educational requirements.
• 1-2 years of experience working in legal applications and case management databases is required.
• The ability to work on multiple client cases & good time management is required.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills. Provide writing samples when you apply for this job.
• Must have demonstrated computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook, and be familiar with entering data into online systems. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, apply program guidelines, and follow procedures.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule (evenings and weekends when needed).
• Ability to work both independently and with others to resolve issues and maintain composure and professionalism in an environment of changing and/or multiple priorities.
• Bilingual English/ Spanish required.
• Knowledge of U-Visas, VAWA, T-Visas, Asylums, and Complex immigration cases is a plus.
• A notary license is a plus.