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Posted by: Crystal Brooks-Harris - 7/8/2021
Job Expires: 8/31/2021
Public Benefits Paralegal

PUBLIC BENEFITS LITIGATION PARALEGAL

Rochesteror Albany, NY – Full time, Non-exempt position

Empire Justice Center, a highly respected, statewide legal services organization, is seeking a Public Benefits Litigation Paralegal to join our team, based out of either the Albany or Rochester office. The Litigation Paralegal supports a team of attorneys in the Public Benefits law practice group through litigation tasks, factual investigation, electronic and paper file management, intake and screening of potential clients, monitoring of settlements, and support for legislative/policy advocacy.

Empire Justice Center attracts and employs dedicated, determined, and passionate advocates who, together, make a significant impact on the lives of low-income New Yorkers. We achieve our successes through direct legal representation and high impact litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, and by providing training and technical assistance to other advocates who are working towards the same goals.

Our organization offers staff an exciting and dynamic working environment and a strong commitment to teamwork, diversity, and personal/professional development.

The Position:

With a heavy emphasis on a team approach, the Intake and Litigation Paralegal must be communicative, thoughtful, creative, flexible and responsive in a fast paced, high energy work environment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PUBLIC BENEFITS LITIGATION PARALEGAL

  • Client intake and case management: conducting eligibility screenings of potential clients; entering client information into various databases; opening & closing files for clients; coordinating follow-up services for clients including appointments, referrals, client correspondence; providing advice and information under the supervision of an attorney; using translation services; managing client files;
  • Maintaining and updating referral database and providing outside referrals;
  • Litigation support: conducting fact investigation & background research (including gathering documents from clients requesting records, interviewing clients and potential witnesses, etc.); preparing legal documents; court filings; document review; calendaring cases; tracking compliance with court or settlement deadlines; responding to telephone and email inquiries from potential class members;
  • Running database reports;
  • Supporting legislative advocacy: assisting attorneys in the preparation of memoranda or other documents for state legislative offices;
  • Developing a thorough understanding of the various public benefits programs available to low-income New Yorkers;
  • Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Associates’ degree, bachelors’ degree or paralegal certificate
  • 2+ years’ experience as litigation paralegal or legal assistant
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills; working knowledge of Microsoft Word & Excel
  • Ability to organize, plan, prioritize, meet deadlines, and work under pressure
  • Flexibility and experience working as a team
  • Ability to respond to cultural differences among organizations, client population, and staff.

DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bi-lingual in Spanish
  • Knowledge of public benefits (SNAP, Public Assistance, etc.) or public benefits law & regulations

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary is commensurate with experience and based on the organization's salary scale.

Empire Justice Center offers a generous benefits package, including health insurance, retirement program, life insurance, vacation, holiday, personal and sick time. We are an organization that supports and encourages a work/life balance. Due to COVID-19, there is potential for this position to be done remotely, part-time, depending on the candidate’s preference.

Empire Justice Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and desires a diverse work force. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, persons who are elderly, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender are welcomed and encouraged to apply.

TO APPLY:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. If interested e-mail a cover letter, resume, writing sample and three professional references to; employment@empirejustice.org

Please include, Public BenefitsLitigation Paralegal,First/LastName to the subject line of the email. No phone calls or hard copies please. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Public Benefits Litigation Paralegal  employment@empirejustice.org

 

 
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