Our Organization:

Manhattan Legal Services is part of Legal Services NYC, the largest provider of free civil legal services for low-income people in the country. We are dedicated to fighting poverty by providing high-quality legal services in areas such as housing, family law, public benefits, employment, consumer, education, immigration, and disability rights, with special units serving vulnerable populations including domestic violence survivors, people living with HIV, and LGTBQ community members. We are committed to working in partnership with community-based organizations in the communities we serve in order to address the causes of poverty.

The Government Benefits Unit fights to retain, obtain, or increase critical public benefits, including cash assistance, SNAP/food stamps, WIC, emergency rental arrears grants, and rental subsidies (such as FHEPS and CityFHEPS). We also specialize in health law issues, helping people obtain or retain public health insurance and services such as Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care.

While representing our clients in various benefits matters, the paralegal will also work to continue to grow our benefits practice, provide community education, and engage in public policy advocacy on benefits issues. The paralegal will primarily work to maximize benefits in clients’ households and eliminate barriers to longer-term stability for families and individuals. In addition to helping attorneys who have clients facing evictions, the paralegal will have an independent caseload of clients whom they will assist with the full spectrum of benefits issues. We are looking for a candidate who is excited to work in a fast-paced environment, work daily with our clients and communities, and use creative strategies in the pursuit of justice.

Responsibilties:

• Assess potential clients for public benefits eligibility by conducting intake and interviewing Manhattan tenants at Housing Court who are referred to MLS through the right-to-counsel initiative in NYC housing courts;
• Advocate with administrative agencies to challenge denials, reductions, or terminations of public benefits;
• Conduct community education and outreach; and,
• Engage in case advocacy, including housing subsidy applications, public assistance applications, and administrative hearings.

Experience & Qualifications:

• A demonstrated passion for social justice and a commitment to working with low-income communities, including communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities, to advance equity;
• Demonstrated excellent, consistent skills in client interviewing, writing, and communication;
• Ability to speak with people of diverse backgrounds and build trust, treat people with respect, and identify clients' needs quickly and accurately;
• Collaborative orientation, capacity to work in a team, and solution-oriented approach;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging issues;
• Experience working with low-income people;
• Strong cultural or personal ties to the communities we serve are preferred;
• Prior work experience or post-high school education preferred; and,
• Experience with public benefits is strongly preferred.

How to Apply