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 four (4) Principal Administrative Associate II, to function as a Legal Assistance Housing Court Liaison in the Housing Courts throughout the five boroughs who 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.

PRINCIPAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOC - 10124