What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Assistant position at Good Shepherd Services?
The Legal Assistant will support the Legal Department in Enhanced Family Foster Care programs by providing clerical and administrative support services to help expedite permanency for children.
Job Title: Legal Assistant
Reports To: Director of Legal Services, Enhanced Family Foster Care Services
Location: 7 West Burnside Avenue, Bronx, New York 10453
Hours: 35 hours per week; Non- Exempt Position requires staff to be onsite. Hybrid is based on program needs and leadership discretion
Salary Range: 50-55k Based on relevant experience and postgraduate education
Major Duties & Responsibilities
Job Title: Legal Assistant
Reports To: Director of Legal Services, Enhanced Family Foster Care Services
Location: 7 West Burnside Avenue, Bronx, New York 10453
Hours: 35 hours per week; Non- Exempt Position requires staff to be onsite. Hybrid is based on program needs and leadership discretion
Salary Range: 50-55k Based on relevant experience and postgraduate education
Major Duties & Responsibilities
- Order required documents monthly for each child entering foster care, including birth certificates, putative father registry responses, and Social Security cards.
- Respond to staff requests and obtain documents such as birth certificates, death certificates, Social Security cards, and certified court orders.
- Maintain and track birth certificate files, including sign-out logs and timely follow-up for returns.
- Travel to courthouses/administrative buildings to obtain necessary documentation.
- Obtain Notary Public certification and notarize permanency hearing (PH) documents, adoption and KinGAP packages, surrenders, young adult statements, and other required documentation.
- Review TPR referral forms, case records, and supporting documentation to determine appropriate allegations and draft TPR petitions.
- Order Putative Father Registry responses upon receipt of TPR referrals.
- Ensure two original birth certificates are available for each child involved in TPR proceedings.
- Serve discovery demands and ensure service of petitions to all required parties.
- Prepare legal documents for substituted service, including orders and affidavits.
- Conduct or submit diligent searches, utilizing systems such as LexisNexis.
- Ensure receipt of the Commissioner’s Notice of Appearance for all TPR cases.
- Prepare, scan, redact, and distribute case records to counsel.
- Obtain certified orders for underlying neglect cases.
- Draft motions, orders to show cause, and related legal documentation for fact-finding proceedings.
- Maintain status tracking sheets and follow up on subpoenaed records.
- Obtain and record signed freeing orders or surrenders with the County Clerk.
- Draft and distribute Notices of Entry for recorded freeing orders.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong typing/computer skills.
- Minimum of 2 years of legal or child welfare experience preferred.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.