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 Description:

• Reports to Supervisor of Guardianship Unit
• Works with Social Workers, benefits coordinator, accounts manager and law students
• Reviews all papers for Court appointment as Guardian and ensures proper documents are generated and filed for CELJ to act
• Work within the LGBTQ+ senior community on various types of civil cases including legal name changes, advance planning documents, and long-term care resident advocacy
• Handles Court report back conferences and appearances
• Drafts legal documents- Orders, Motions, Petitions and memoranda
• Prepares Fair Hearing Summaries and attends Administrative Hearings
• Ability to E-file all relevant Court documents
• Ability to utilize Legal Server Program for timekeeping, notes and uploading relevant documents
• Utilize the assistance of the benefits and finance coordinators to secure assets, determine possible income streams and health care insurances
• Knowledge of Medicaid, Medicare and other benefits clients may be entitled to receive
• Assist in the application process for benefits
• Create and deliver presentations to prospective clients about substantive legal topics
• Draft blog posts, self-help guides, and other public facing documents
• Interaction with Clients and their families
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with community partners
• Attend outreach and social events hosted by local Pride organizations to discuss CELJ’s services
• Visits to hospitals, homes, and facilities
• Understanding of medical diseases, treatments and conditions a plus
• Ability to make medical decisions with adequate input from medical professionals

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Admitted to practice in NYS
• 1-5 years legal experience preferred
• Previous experience, or an interest in, legal services, preferred
• Able to handle multiple tasks
• Substituted decision making, wills, elder law experience, preferred
• Able to identify and evaluate legal issues
• Ability to work in a team atmosphere
• Ability to work with a variety of financial, governmental entities
• Commitment to communities we serve
• Travel amongst counties, required

To Apply:

Send cover letter and resume to HR Manager, Chandler Jones, 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