Job Description

Division/Unit: Pathways to Public Safety Division

Position Title: Paralegal

Civil Service Title: Community Associate

Salary Range: $49, 000 - $51, 984

Job Description:

The New York County District Attorney's Office (DANY) has an immediate opening for a Paralegal in its Pathways to Public Safety Division. In this position, the Paralegal will be responsible for supporting several Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) in Pathways as they correspond with defense attorneys, external agencies, and various stakeholders on cases that may be appropriate for diversionary dispositions through one of our felony problem solving courts.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Communicate by email, phone, and in person with defense attorneys to gauge a defendant's interest in participating in an alternative to incarceration program and request relevant treatment records, medical records, and other information to inform DANY's position on a defendant's appropriateness for a treatment disposition.
• Keep detailed notes and maintain spreadsheets detailing the outreach conducted, date of outreach, response from defense counsel or external entity, etc.
• Attend case reviews and obtain any information requested during those reviews (including out of state case facts, medical or treatment records, etc.)
• Relentlessly track all case correspondence and regularly follow-up with lawyers, clinicians, and the Court to move appropriate cases towards a treatment resolution.
• Maintain a database capturing progress made on all problem-solving court referrals.
• Assist ADAs in subpoenaing, collecting, and analyzing documents relevant to treatment consideration.
• Coordinate meetings with defense attorneys and their clients.
• Communicate effectively with all staff, law enforcement personnel, the Court, social workers, and defense attorneys, both orally and in writing.
• Create and maintain various in-house databases, filing, and records management systems.
• Draft correspondence and legal documents.
• Perform data entry and audit using internal case tracking systems and spreadsheets.
• Complete other administrative and paralegal duties as assigned.

In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, all candidates must possess the following:

• Level 1 - bachelor's degree from an accredited college.
• Level 2 - bachelor's degree from an accredited college and one (1) year of experience either as a paralegal in the criminal justice field or equivalent.
• Level 3 - bachelor's degree from an accredited college and two (2) years of experience either as a paralegal in the criminal justice field or equivalent.

Preferred Requirements/Skills:

• Highly skilled in standard computer operating systems and software (Adobe Acrobat, Windows, Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) with strong ability to learn new software.
• Superior organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments efficiently.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of staff, witnesses, defense attorneys, private businesses, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies.
• Excellent interpersonal, time-management, writing, and communication skills. Must work well as part of a team.
• Ability to take initiative and creative problem-solving skills are essential.
• Strong attention to detail and high concern for data accuracy.
• Strong written and oral communication skills are essential.
• Ability to follow directions and apply proper policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ability to learn, update, and edit existing proprietary applications, and quickly learn and use various computer systems.
• Ability to work independently with frequent interruptions, manage deadlines, and adapt to changes in workflow.

How To Apply:

• Apply with a Cover Letter & Resume.

Additional Information:

• Current office employees: To be eligible for a transfer or promotion, staff must have already served at least 1 year in their current position and be in good standing. In addition, must meet the minimum qualifications of the position.
• Looking for candidates that could commit to one (1) year to the hiring Unit.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

1. High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to \"1\" above.

Public Svc 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/.

Position Hours:

• Monday - Friday, from 9 am - 5 pm.

Residency Requirement:

• City Residency is not required for this position.

The New York County District Attorney's Office 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.About Us

The New York County District Attorney's Office serves and protects the People of New York through the fair administration of justice, without fear or favor. The Office's professional staff perform a variety of key functions, including supporting the Trial, Investigation, and Appeals Divisions, as well as other prosecution support and office functions. Our support staff receive a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, as well as unparalleled opportunities for professional development.

The New York County District Attorney's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and culturally responsive workforce. Given the diverse nature of our community, the ability to work with people of different backgrounds is critical. The Office seeks to have a staff that reflects the diversity of the community that we serve. To that end, all applicants will be considered without regard to actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, age, prior record of arrest; or any other basis prohibited by law. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.About the Team

The Professional Staff Recruitment Team at DANY supports the Office's initiatives to have a staff that reflects the diversity of the community that we serve. We seek employees that are interested in a career in the public sector and will support the Office's initiative of Moving Justice Forward.

For questions or inquiries, please contact Recruitment@dany.nyc.gov.