Paralegal - Legal Services for Elder Justice

Paralegal (Full-Time - 35 Hours/Week)

Shift Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Under the supervision of the Director of Legal Services, you will play a vital role in providing legal assistance to eligible individuals and groups. You will manage a high caseload, providing advice, assistance, and advocacy while representing clients before public and private administrative agencies to ensure their rights and interests are protected.

Why You'll Love Working at JASA

JASA is one of NYC's largest and most trusted nonprofits serving older adults. Our dedicated professionals help improve the lives of thousands of seniors through impactful, mission-driven work.

• Meaningful Impact: Directly assist seniors in navigating complex legal systems to secure housing, benefits, and healthcare.
• Collaborative Environment: Work side-by-side with staff attorneys and senior legal leadership.
• Professional Development: Gain deep experience in elder law, legal research, and administrative hearings.

What You'll Be Doing

You will be responsible for supporting the full lifecycle of legal services, from initial intake and investigation to administrative representation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Intake & Eligibility: Conduct interviews in-office, via telephone, or at community sites (nursing homes, hospitals, etc.) to determine eligibility for legal representation.
• Legal Research & Drafting: Perform legal research, obtain essential records, and draft documents under the supervision of staff attorneys.
• Investigation: Conduct factual investigations and record searches for tenant-landlord, Medicaid, and Social Security cases, reporting findings to attorneys.
• Client Advocacy: Represent clients at administrative hearings and assist in the negotiation and settlement of legal matters.
• Advice & Referral: Provide legal advice and assistance under attorney supervision; make referrals to non-legal agencies or other legal resources as appropriate.
• Case Management: Maintain meticulous case records, reports, and statistics within mandated timeframes; reassess client needs on an ongoing basis.
• Crisis Management: Identify and inform the Director of Legal Services of crisis situations requiring immediate instruction or direction.

What You'll Need

• Education: Graduate of an accredited college or university with a BS/BA degree or equivalent.
• Experience: One year of prior legal experience or a demonstrated interest in Elder Law.
• Technical Skills: Computer literacy, including the ability to learn program-specific software; excellent writing and record-keeping skills.
• Communication: Proficiency in English required; ability to provide clear advice and advocacy to clients.
• Travel: Ability to travel to clients' homes using mass transit and navigate physical barriers (stairs, etc.) in residences.

Benefits at a Glance

JASA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and future:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus Employee Wellness Programs and an EAP.
• Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with Roth option and an employer-funded pension.
• Generous Time Off: Four weeks of vacation , plus holidays, floating holidays, and sick days.
• Work Style: Flexible hybrid work environment and career growth opportunities.

EEO Statement: JASA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law.

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