Paralegal

PARALEGAL

New York City

POSSIBLE HYBRID WORKPLACE OPPORTUNITY

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State's affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State.

This position is with HCR's Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC). This is not a civil service position and does not require a civil service exam. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered.


NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce that represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

The Office of Legal Affairs provides legal advice, counsel and representation to all the Agencies' offices and program areas and ensures that all matters comply with federal and state legal mandates. The primary functions are organized within four major subject matter areas or units, General Law, Litigation, Hearings, and Transactions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide assistance to General Law attorneys with case track management and monitoring of ongoing files.
• Work closely with General Law Supervisor to ensure cases are assigned and concluded, ensuring a well-balanced workflow amongst General Law attorneys.
• Review all incoming letters/notices received by OLA support staff.
• Stay updated on changes in housing laws and regulations and provide guidance to General Law staff in said changes.
• Provide support in legal research, memorandum, writing assignments as requested or for any other tasks deemed necessary by Counsel, Deputy Counsel or any Supervising Attorney.
• Assist in the administration and oversight of Section 8 programs, including compliance with federal and state regulations and related HUD guidelines.

• • Perform legal background searches of Section 8 vendors and partners, including research, drafting memorandum, and providing findings for Section 8 staff.
  • Assist attorneys in updating standard contract clauses, administrative plan or any training task orders requested by Section 8 program staff.
  • Prepare and assist General Law attorneys at OLA conducting Section 8 hearings.
  • Liaison with attorneys performing corporate governance work related to the Housing Choice Voucher Program and the Project Based Voucher Program.
  • Support the resolution of disputes related to Section 8 benefits, including termination and appeals processes.
  • Provide legal support for matters involving the Mitchell-Lama Housing Program, including compliance with Private Housing Finance Law and Mitchell Lama regulations found at 9 NYCRR 1700 et seq.
  • Review all subpoenas and FOIL requests related to the Mitchell-Lama program.
  • Liaison and work with the Albany Office of Legal Affairs with regards to Mitchell-Lama succession appeals and admission/transfer applications.
  • Perform due diligence reviews for housing developments, including financial and operational assessments of projects under DHCR's supervision.
  • Review and provide support with Budget Rent Determinations, Rent Hearings, and Oaths and Designations for incoming and outgoing signatories at DHCR.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years of relevant experience*
• Ability to establish effective working relationships
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.

* Substitutions: four years of specialized experience or associate degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for bachelor's degree; J.D. or master's degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.


This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

APPLICANTS MUST INCLUDE A RESUME

WHAT WE OFFER AT NYS HCR:

• Extensive benefits package including participation in New York State's Health Insurance Program and New York State & Local Employees' Retirement System.
• Promotional opportunities for dedicated professionals.
• Work-life balance benefits including a 37.5-hour work week, opportunity for compressed scheduling, and paid time off benefits (vacation, sick, personal days, and federal holidays).
• 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.
• Paid Family Leave.
• As a New York State employee, you may qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for an eligible employer.

ABOUT NEW YORK STATE HOMES AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL:

Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas, HCR is a vibrant, innovative agency that integrates and leverages New York State's housing resources. We have offices in New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and Syracuse, and employ a diverse workforce of professionals who are hard-working and committed to serving low- and moderate-income families. Our mission is far-reaching, encompassing single and multifamily housing finance, home improvement, rent regulation, housing subsidies, and community development. We partner regularly with a variety of public and private stakeholders.

Achieving this mission requires a wide range of skills and backgrounds in public policy, administration, real estate, construction, finance, law, and many other areas of expertise. We seek to provide a workplace environment that is productive, flexible, accountable, ethical, and caring. Our employees are empowered to make a difference where they live and work. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, vision, retirement, and family-friendly policies.


New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)