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:

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.

Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.