LEGAL ASSISTANCE HOUSING COURT LIAISON

APPLICANTS MUST BE PERMANENT IN THE PRINCIPAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE CIVIL SERVICE TITLE

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is comprised of the administrative units of the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). HRA is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality by providing New Yorkers in need with essential benefits such as Food Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance. DHS is committed to preventing and addressing homelessness in New York City by employing a variety of innovative strategies to help families and individuals successfully exit shelter and return to self-sufficiency as quickly as possible.

The Office of Civil Justice (OCJ), an office created by the City Charter and established as a unit of the Department of Social Services’ Office of Legal Affairs, is part of the City’s unprecedented investment in free legal services for New Yorkers in need. The Office of Civil Justice, led by the Civil Justice Coordinator, consolidates the City’s various legal services programs at DSS and works to increase the availability of legal services citywide. To do this, the Office coordinates with legal services providers; the court systems; the advocacy community; elected officials City officials inside and outside of DSS; policy makers; tenants in need; and other key stakeholders.

The Office of Civil Justice (OCJ) is recruiting one (1) Principal Administrative Associate II, to function as a Legal Assistance Housing Court Liaison in the Housing Courts throughout the five boroughs.

The Legal Assistance Housing Court Liaison will:

– Serve as the chief liaison between the Housing Courts, HRA and the legal services providers,
ensuring and coordinating the flow of services, and maintaining strong ongoing relationships with
all entities.

– Conduct interviews with clients/tenants to determine eligibility for legal services in addition to
reviewing identity documents and income support documentation provided by the client and
reviewing critical benefit information from the various agency electronic systems.

– Provide information on the legal services offered at the Housing Court to clients/tenants and
make referrals to the appropriate legal services provider; supervise and coordinate the day-to-day
activities of support staff.

– Make referrals for rental assistance and respond to emergency cases by expediting referrals for
legal services and rental assistance.

Work Location:
150 Greenwich Street 38th floor, New York, NY 10007

Hours/Schedule:
Monday to Friday 9am – 5 pm with one-hour flex

Minimum Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and three years of satisfactory full-time progressively responsible clerical/administrative experience, one year of which must have been in an administrative capacity or supervising staff performing clerical/administrative work of more than moderate difficulty; or
2. An associate degree or 60 semester credits from an accredited college and four years of satisfactory full-time progressively responsible clerical/administrative experience including one year of the administrative supervisory experience described in “1” above; or
3. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State’s department of education or a recognized accrediting organization and five years of satisfactory full-time progressively responsible clerical/administrative experience including one year of the administrative supervisory experience as described in “1” above;
4. Education and/or experience equivalent to “1”, “2”, or “3” above. However, all candidates must possess the one year of administrative or supervisory experience as described in “1” above. Education above the high school level may be substituted for the general clerical/administrative experience (but not for the one year of administrative or supervisory experience described in “1” above) at a rate of 30 semester credits from an accredited college for 6 months of experience up to a maximum of 3½ years.

Preferred Skills

– Exceptional interpersonal skills. – Ability to work independently and within a fast-paced environment, as well as thrive in a collaborative team environment. – Willingness to perform the full range of tasks required in a dynamic and rapidly responsive organization. – Highly organized and detail oriented.
55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.
Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.