Paralegal Sr.

Job Description

Position DescriptionSUMMARY: Under general supervision, provides a wide range of paraprofessional legal services related to Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) operations; performs necessary clerical and administrative duties related to such paraprofessional services and performs other related duties for the Office of the General Counsel. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Researches and prepares legal correspondence and memoranda; responds to complaints; Performs computerized legal research and compiles information, data and materials; Attends and takes notes at client interviews; Performs secretarial services related to litigation or business transactions; types correspondence and legal documents; Composes letters and memoranda on behalf of the Office of General Counsel; Drafts landlord-tenant complaints, schedules hearings; maintains the Customer Relations Management database for landlord-tenant cases; Mediates rent disputes in landlord-tenant court; Responds to discovery requests; Handles issues relating to PHA title to properties, taxes and other fees and expenses imposed upon PHA properties; Maintains Office of General Counsel records and filing systems; May support attorneys in PHA business/regulatory matters; Maintains the absolute confidentiality of all records and information; refers matters requiring policy interpretation to supervisor for resolution; Stays abreast of relevant new trends and innovations in the legal support field; May serve as Right-to-Know Officer and/or assist with Right-to-Know requests; Performs related duties and responsibilities and understates special projects as assigned.Skills RequiredRequired Skill in: Legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases and other research tools. Reviewing, correcting and maintaining complex and extensive records. Working independently in the absence of supervision with respect to legal documents, correspondence and memoranda. Performing basic mathematics rapidly and accurately. Understanding and carrying out oral and written instructions. Scheduling assignments; calendaring cases, planning, organizing and coordinating workflow. Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software. Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, clients, and the general public. Effective verbal and written communication.Skills PreferredLICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Drivers License may be required. Training or certification as a Paralegal is preferred.Experience RequiredRequired Knowledge of: PHA organization, operations, policies and procedures; HR Manual, Employee Handbook, and where appropriate, Union Contracts. HUD Regulations; Standard Operating Procedures. Relevant Pennsylvania criminal and civil statutes, rules, case law, administrative orders, policies and procedures, and applicable Federal rules and regulations. Legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases and other research tools. Legal terminology, forms and documents used in legal secretarial and administrative work. Legal procedures and practices involved in composing, processing, calendaring and filing a variety of legal documents. Business letter writing and basic report preparation; English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Legal references and their contents. Methods, procedures and standards for maintaining legal records. General office practices and equipment including personal computers and software applications.Education RequiredMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: Bachelors Degree in Paralegal or Legal Studies or a related field, AND one (1) year paralegal experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.Additional InformationPHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a standard office environment.

Keyskills :
legallegal research