File Clerk

About the role

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. For nearly 30 years, BDS has worked to protect and uphold the rights of individuals and to change laws and systems that perpetuate injustice and inequality. The Criminal Defense Practice represents and protects the legal rights of people who are arrested, with staff including attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrative professionals, and clerical staff. The File Clerk is responsible for management and maintenance of client case files, both paper and digital. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, works well with colleagues, can handle multiple tasks, and is comfortable fulfilling requests quickly. BDS provides full training on specific tasks and systems.

Responsibilities

• Organize files and documents according to BDS' filing system.
• Scan paper files and save them in the online case management system.
• Receive and sort physical and digital documents.
• Store physical and digital documents in designated places, securing important documents.
• Receive requests for files and respond in a timely way, including keeping logs and answering follow-up requests.
• Organize and maintain file rooms, records storage areas, and electronic document repositories.
• Follow policies and confidentiality to safeguard client information.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• College degree or four years of equivalent experience.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and effectively manage both physical and electronic filing systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Suite programs, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to lift and move file boxes and records weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Comfortable and confident in learning new computer systems.

Position Information

This is a full-time, non-exempt, salaried position in the collective bargaining unit. The position is based at BDS's offices in Forest Hills, Queens.

Schedule

Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Pay

Annual salary range: $69,000–$74,000, based on education and experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies supporting work/life balance.