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.
- 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- 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
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
What We Do
Good Shepherd Services is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children, youth, and families in New York City overcome challenges and gain skills for success. Through over 100 high-quality programs, they provide effective services that deepen connections within families, schools, and neighborhoods, working closely with community leaders to advocate for their participants and create a better city for all.
