WNYLC Part-Time HOPP Outreach Paralegal Job Posting:
The Western New York Law Center (WNYLC) is currently seeking an enthusiastic HOPP (Homeowner Protection Program) Outreach Paralegal to join our Housing Unit. The HOPP Outreach Paralegal will work with WNY homeowners, especially in the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community and older adults, to ensure that they have a proper estate plan in place and prevent title issues. The goal of this project is to increase and preserve homeownership in certain areas to create more wealth building and economic security in communities. The HOPP Outreach Paralegal will attend weekly clinics at the Merriweather Library as well as other intake sites within the City of Buffalo. Work will be performed in the office at WNYLC or at outreach events 2.5x/week.
WNYLC is a nonprofit legal services provider. Founded in 1996, WNYLC exists to promote human and civil rights with an overarching commitment to racial and economic justice. To further that mission, WNYLC provides legal services to low- and moderate-income individuals through specific programs that currently focus on eviction and foreclosure prevention, consumer debt and bankruptcy assistance, small business formation, and representation in school discipline proceedings. Beyond providing individual legal services through these programs, the WNYLC also aims to ensure that all members of our community receive the full range of civil legal services by providing "non-traditional" legal assistance like policy advocacy, community legal education and consciousness-raising, and impact litigation to address systemic issues such as discrimination and redlining. We are committed to advocating for meaningful reforms and policies that address racial and economic injustice and to creating safe and inclusive communities within and outside the organization. For more information visit our website: Western New York Law Center (wnylc.com)
HOPP Outreach Paralegal Responsibilities:
Collaborate with community partners to identify homeowners needing legal services for estate preparation, title issues, and mortgage and tax foreclosure issues.
Attend outreach events such as the weekly CLARO session at Merriweather Library to meet with and screen homeowners.
Refer 50% of cases to Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo (LAB) and Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ).
Attend and help organize the yearly Wills & Estates event hosted by New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes.
Ensure that homeowners have a proper estate plan in place which may include drafting, executing, and filing of a Last Will & Testament.
Support WNYLC Housing Unit Attorneys in any title or estate work that presents during a foreclosure action.
Perform intakes, collect and maintain documents, and meet with clients.
Attend WNYLC Housing Unit weekly meetings.
Work with WNYLC’s marketing team on the creation of educational materials for our website and a forum where community members can reach out for assistance.
HOPP Outreach Paralegal Requirements:
A college degree, or equivalent paralegal training or experience.
Strong commitment to nonprofit/public interest work.
Ability to relate well to people who are low-income or of diverse nationalities and cultures.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Strong organizational and data management skills.
Proficient in use of computer software and platforms, including experience with, or ability to learn, Excel, Salesforce, and Building Blocks
Strong primary research and writing skills.
Flexibility, as day-to-day tasks will vary.
Availability to work evenings or weekends as needed to attend outreach events.
Ability to travel to attend outreach events throughout the Western New York region, as necessary.
Strong public interest legal service provider knowledge is a plus.
Self-motivated and good at planning and executing projects.
Rate of Pay:
Hourly Range of pay is $24.65 - $29.45. Rate of pay is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply:
Please send resume, cover letter, and the names of three professional references to Lauren Haas, Operations Manager, at lhaas@wnylc.net.
WNYLC 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. |