Description
Position Title: Paralegal
Practice Area/Department: Disability Advocacy Program (DAP)
Office Location: Utica, NY
Salary Range: $42,250 - $63,378 (DOE)
Supervisor: Managing Attorney
Posting Date: July 1, 2024
Application Deadline: Position open until filled
ABOUT
The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is a non-profit public interest law firm. We provide free legal information, advice and representation to people who are unable to afford a lawyer. Our staff provides services in the following, thirteen counties: Broome, Chenango, Cayuga, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Otsego. In addition, our Agricultural Worker Program services the entire New York State.
MISSION STATEMENT
LASMNY’s mission is to provide free legal assistance to low-income people facing civil legal problems that impact the basic needs of life. Through legal advice, emergency legal services and legal representation, we help low-income people stabilize their finances, protect themselves and their children from domestic violence, obtain access to healthcare, avoid homelessness as a result of wrongful evictions, protect the family home from foreclosure and increase household income. We also target specific vulnerable populations with our services, such as senior citizens, victims of domestic violence, people with disabilities, refugees and immigrants, and veterans.
JOB SUMMARY
The paralegal role is responsible to assist Staff Attorneys and case handlers preparing for administrative proceedings and hearings before Administrative Law Judges to obtain SSI/SSDI benefits for clients. Demonstrates an understanding and commitment to LASMNY’s mission and value of justice. This position reports to the Managing Attorney.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Manage the DAP caseload and assist with delivering quality legal services.
- Effectively and efficiently communicate for services with clients over the phone or in person, observe meetings and hearings.
- Review and organize medical, educational, and vocational records to determine whether clients meet the rules for a finding of disability as defined by the Social Security Administration.
- Perform research and writing as directed.
- Maintain accurate records and statistics for the coordination of timely reports.
- Accurately and timely record billable time and case notes in our case management system.
- Prepare, organize, store, and retrieve case files.
- Assist with tasks related to the grant reporting process.
- Conduct administrative tasks, as necessary.
- Demonstrate a high level of professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
- Work professionally and collaboratively with colleagues, judges, opposing counsel, court personnel, community members, etc.
- Attend and participate in meetings and trainings as requested.
- Regular and predictable attendance.
- Comply with all Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and LASMNY policies, procedures and grant based reporting requirements.
- Perform responsibilities and duties based upon department needs and requirements as assigned by the supervisor.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, paralegal certificate, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- Prior DAP experience, preferably in a legal environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to serve low-income community members.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office or related software and computerized legal research.
- Willingness to learn new technology.
- Bilingual or multilingual a plus.
- Travel is required.
LASMNY offers a generous benefit package! Most benefits available date of hire. Medical, Vision, Dental, Medical Waiver Program (if eligible), Basic/Voluntary Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Flexible Savings Accounts, 403(b), Employer Contributing SEP/IRA, Mileage Reimbursement, Professional Development, CLE Registration Fees, Attorney Registration Fees, Local & NYS Bar Dues, Vacation, Sick, Personal, Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, Bar Exam Leave, Employee Assistance Plan, Relocation Assistance, Parking, Loan Repayment/Public Service Loan Forgiveness and (14) Holidays.
APPLICATION PROCESS
We encourage interested qualified candidates to apply for this position by sending a cover letter, writing sample, resume, and three (3) professional references to jobs@lasmny.org
LASMNY’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Vision Statement
LASMNY is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our differences fuel excellence and we strive to create an environment where every individual is valued and feels empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. We are building a community rooted in openness and trust where colleagues have the resources to grow, thrive and fully contribute to achieving equal access to justice.
Equal Opportunity Employer | Affirmative Action Employer
Fighting for Equal Justice for All|Diversity.Equity.Inclusion
Visit www.lasmny.org
