Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) is seeking a Full-Time Income Maintenance Staff 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 often 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 Attorney, the Paralegal assists and provides a range of legal support and administration to lawyers and other legal professionals within the firm.

REPORTS TO

Supervising Attorney, Staff Attorney(s)

SUPERVISES

N/A

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Manage caseload regarding financial matters, specifically, benefit eligibility determinations, survivor benefits, consumer debt litigation, contract litigation, substituted decision making documents (Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxies), reinstatement of benefits and representative payee issues Work with clients regarding matters on Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans Benefits and State Supplemental programs Provide administrative support for attorneys in court and at the office. Intake of new clients. Investigate and fact-find for cases Communicate with clients throughout their cases Identify relevant legal articles, laws, and judicial decisions and other authority for litigation preparation, Assist in preparing legal documents such as legal arguments, motions, Summons and Complaints, Answers, contracts, and agreements Organize, index, and track files Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records and notes in CELJ's timkeeping software Analyze and organize information to produce grant reports Provide training, community outreach, and education to individuals and local community based organizations and other advocates Coordinate and collaborate with other groups and organizations Represent the civil practice and legal aid in the community Promote the work of the office and civil practice

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervise student interns Some travel is required In-home client visits, as needed

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

College degree, or equivalent paralegal experience required; paralegal certificate helpful

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Strong written and oral communication skills Demonstrated research and analytical skills Strong attention to detail, well organized and accurate 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:

Lockport, NY Salary starts at $51,836.00 based on our Union Scale. Resumes to Chandler Jones, HR Manager, cjones@elderjusticeny.org 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