Paralegal

Join The Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) and become part of an energetic team of advocates that provides a wide-range of legal services. This exciting role will work within our medical-legal partnership, the MedLaw Partnership of WNY, Kaleida Division, throughout local Buffalo hospitals. The ideal candidate will be a skillful paralegal who can excel in a fast-paced, dynamic hospital environment, where collaboration with medical staff and engaging with clients on a daily basis is a necessity. This position will play an active and important role in the implementation of the MedLaw project, including assisting in the development of processes and protocols.

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.

Essential Functions:

Paralegal is responsible for contact with potential clients, screening for immediate needs, and direct client contact throughout case. Paralegal will be required to travel between hospitals and most work will take place in the hospital office setting. This also may include travel to different locations in the community, and amongst different counties. This position reports to the MedLaw attorney(s) in the unit. Should demonstrate strong listening skills and patience with clients, knowledge of community resources and working closely with attorneys on creative solutions to cases.

Preferred Qualifications:

2-5 years of experience Highly motivated and passionate about public service work, with sensitivity to those in crisis College degree, or equivalent paralegal experience required; paralegal certificate helpful Excellent writing, speaking and organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients, healthcare providers, community organizations, attorneys, and the public Ability to work efficiently and accurately while exhibiting patience and diplomacy Legal services background helpful Knowledge of substituted decision making, elder law and/or housing law also helpful CELJ offers a competitive benefits and compensation package, including: Generous vacation and sick time Employer covered health, dental & vision Fourteen holidays a year, plus two half-day holidays Summer hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day Payment of license fees and association dues Encouragement of professional development Eligible for Federal Loan Forgiveness Salary starting at $50,000, based on experience and alignment with steps in union scale. Resumes to Chandler Jones, HR Manager, cjones@elderjusticeny.org

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Work Location:

In person