Affordability Specialist (Paralegal) Center for Elder Law & Justice - 5.0 Buffalo, NY Job Details Full-time From $51,836 a year 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Paid time off Parental leave Employee assistance program Vision insurance 401(k) matching Professional development assistance Loan forgiveness Flexible schedule Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Bilingual Intake Attention to detail Client services Associate's degree Full Job Description Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) is seeking a Full-Time Affordability Specialist (Paralegal).

About CELJ:

Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) is a civil legal services organization fighting for justice, primarily for low-income older adults, in 10 counties in Western New York. Our attorneys stop illegal evictions, save clients homes from foreclosure, put a stop to elder domestic violence, fight for public benefits, work with our local immigrant & refugee populations, and represent grandparents and other kinship care relatives in custody and neglect petitions in family court. We also advocate for systems-wide policy changes, commenting frequently on changes to regulations and working with local elected leaders on legislation that will impact the poor and vulnerable older adults in our area. We believe that independence and dignity are the hallmarks of justice.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, the Affordability Specialist (Paralegal) will serve as the primary point of contact for older adults experiencing financial affordability challenges. The Specialist will provide direct intake, case management, benefits navigation, advocacy, and outreach services to help individuals age 60 and older maintain financial stability, access critical public benefits, and remain independent in their communities. The position will support CELJ's Senior Financial Affordability Program through both direct client services and community education initiatives.

REPORTS TO

Supervising Attorney

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

SENIOR

FINANCIAL AFFORDABILITY PROGRAM

Conduct client intake, screening, and assessment for older adults experiencing financial hardships and affordability-related concerns. Provide assistance with utility shutoff prevention, utility payment agreements, HEAP/LIHEAP applications, and utility-related advocacy. Assist clients with public benefits issues including SNAP applications/recertifications, SNAP administrative hearings to challenge denials, navigating new Medicaid work rules, SSI/SSDI application advice, Social Security overpayments (including possible administrative appeals), and other related matters Conduct investigations, fact-finding, document collection, and case management activities. Maintain regular communication with clients throughout the duration of their cases. Provide administrative and case support to supervising attorneys as needed. Coordinate warm referrals to other CELJ practice areas, including consumer, housing, healthcare advocacy, prevention of elder abuse, advance planning, guardianship, and family law. Collaborate with community partners, government agencies, and service providers to address client needs. Maintain accurate client records and data tracking in compliance with program and grant requirements. Demonstrate the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism in all client matters.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION & OUTREACH

Deliver educational workshops and presentations focused on budgeting, financial management, benefit access, scam prevention, and financial exploitation awareness. Conduct outreach through CELJ's Mobile Legal Unit at senior centers, libraries, community centers, and other locations throughout Erie County. Provide education regarding Medicaid eligibility requirements, public benefits, utility protections, consumer rights, and available community resources. Develop and distribute plain-language informational materials and resource guides. Screen community members for potential legal and advocacy needs and facilitate referrals to appropriate CELJ programs. Represent CELJ at community events, coalition meetings, and outreach opportunities. Work collaboratively with the Erie County Office for the Aging and other community partners to increase program awareness and participation

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

: Travel throughout Erie County to conduct outreach, community presentations, and client meetings. Participate in Mobile Legal Unit events and off-site service delivery. Conduct in-home visits when appropriate. Visit clients in hospitals, nursing homes, and community settings as needed. Assist with data collection, reporting, and program evaluation activities. Participate in organizational trainings, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities. Promote CELJ's mission and services within the community. Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree, Paralegal Certificate, or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Minimum of 2-5 years of relevant experience Experience working with older adults and vulnerable populations strongly preferred. Knowledge of public benefits programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, SSI/SSDI, HEAP, and related benefits preferred. Strong commitment to public interest and social justice work. Bilingual skills are a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Strong written and verbal communication skills. Excellence in client service and relationship building. Ability to explain complex benefit and legal issues in a clear, accessible manner. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a team environment. Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and case management systems. Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and community stakeholders. Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical conduct. CELJ offers a competitive benefits and compensation package, including: Extremely generous PTO 90% employer covered health, dental & vision Fourteen holidays a year, plus two half-day holidays. Including a week off between Christmas Day to New Years Day Summer hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day Payment of license fees and association dues Encouragement of professional development Eligible for

Federal Loan Forgiveness Location:

Buffalo, NY Salary starts at $51,836.00 based on experience and alignment with steps in union scale. Resumes to Chandler Jones, HR Manager, CELJ is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Employer recruits without regard to sex, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity, and any such candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $51,836.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person