Paralegal

Center for Elder Law & Justice, a community-based organization, is looking to filla Full Time Paralegal/EMDT Coordinator for our Elder Abuse Unit.

*This role can be based out of our Dunkirk or Buffalo offices. Travel between offices will be required*

The Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) is a nonprofit legal services organization dedicated to protecting the rights, dignity, and independence of older adults and persons with disabilities. CELJ provides free civil legal services, community education, and multidisciplinary interventions to prevent exploitation, abuse, neglect, and loss of autonomy. CELJ has a long history of convening and coordinating Enhanced Multi-Disciplinary Teams (EMDTs) to address complex elder abuse, financial exploitation, and scam cases through a collaborative, victim centered approach.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Program Director/Supervising Social Worker, the Paralegal/EMDT Coordinator assists and provides a range of legal support and administration to lawyers and other legal professionals within the firm.

Reports To

Program Director, Supervising Social Worker

Position Summary

The Paralegal/Enhanced Multi-Disciplinary Team (EMDT) Coordinator is a hybrid role combining direct legal support on elder abuse and exploitation matters with responsibility for coordinating and supporting Enhanced Multi-Disciplinary Teams across multiple Western New York counties. This position serves as a paralegal on elder abuse cases handled by CELJ attorneys in Chautauqua. Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties, while also acting as the primary

EMDT Coordinator for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties and providing support to EMDTs in Erie, Niagara, and Wyoming Counties.

The Paralegal/Coordinator is responsible for organizing and facilitating EMDT meetings, tracking cases and outcomes, ensuring accurate data entry in PeerPlace, and supporting follow- up on multidisciplinary action steps. This role requires strong legal support skills, excellent organization, and the ability to work effectively across systems while maintaining a trauma-informed, elder-centered focus.

Essential Functions

Paralegal – Elder Abuse & Exploitation Cases

· Investigate and fact-find on elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and scam cases, including gathering documents, records, and collateral information.

· Communicate regularly with clients regarding case status, next steps, and needed information, under attorney supervision.· Provide paralegal assistance connected to EMDTs, including preparation of case summaries and follow-up related to multidisciplinary recommendations.

· Organize, index, and track physical and electronic case files, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with legal services requirements.

· Draft correspondence, affidavits, and other legal documents under attorney supervision.

· Coordinate and collaborate with Adult Protective Services, community-based organizations, advocates, and other partners involved in client matters.

· Provide training, community outreach, and education to individuals, community-based organizations, and other advocates related to elder abuse and exploitation.

· Represent CELJ’s civil legal practice and legal aid services in community meetings, trainings, and multidisciplinary settings.

· Provide trauma-informed, client-centered support to older adults throughout the life of their cases.

· Promote the work of CELJ and its civil practice through outreach, partnership-building, and participation in community initiatives, as directed by supervising attorneys.

EMDT Coordination – Chautauqua & Cattaraugus Counties

· Serve as the primary EMDT Coordinator for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties.

· Convene and facilitate regular EMDT meetings in assigned counties, including preparing agendas, coordinating case presentations, and documenting action steps.

· Serve as the primary liaison among multidisciplinary partners, including Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, prosecutors, healthcare providers, financial institutions, aging services, and community-based organizations.

· Support the identification, screening, and referral of appropriate cases for EMDT review.

· Ensure meetings follow established EMDT protocols, confidentiality requirements, and best practices.

EMDT Support – Erie, Niagara & Wyoming Counties

· Attend EMDT meetings in Erie, Niagara, and Wyoming Counties as needed.

· Take detailed meeting notes and document case discussions, recommendations, and assigned action steps.

· Follow up on tasks assigned by the lead EMDT Coordinator to support timely implementation.

· Ensure all required case and meeting data are accurately entered into PeerPlace in accordance with program and funder requirements.

· Convene and facilitate regular EMDT meetings in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties, including preparing agendas, coordinating case presentations, and documenting action steps.

· Assist with EMDTs in Erie, Niagara, and Wyoming counties, including as a liaison among multidisciplinary partners, including Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, prosecutors, financial institutions, Office for the Aging, and community-based organizations.

Additional Responsibilities:

· Some travel may be required

· In-home client visits, as neededRequired Qualifications

· Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, social work, criminal justice,

human services, public administration, or a related field; or equivalent combination of

education and experience.

· Paralegal experience or demonstrated legal support experience, preferably in elder law,

family law, housing, public benefits, or victim services.

· Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in program coordination, case management, legal-services, or a related field.

· Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings and collaborate effectively with professionals from diverse disciplines.

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities across legal and coordination functions.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

· Familiarity with or ability to learn PeerPlace or similar case management/data systems.

· Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally within Western New York.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Experience working with older adults and/or victims of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.

· Familiarity with Adult Protective Services, legal systems, healthcare, or financial institutions.

· Experience with multidisciplinary teams, task forces, or coordinated community responses.

· Knowledge of trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally responsive practices.

· Experience with grant-funded programs and data reporting.

CELJ offers a competitive benefits and compensation package, including:

• Generous vacation and sick time.
• Thirteen holidays a year, plus two half-day holidays
• Summer hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day
• Payment of license fees and association dues
• Encouragement of professional development

No phone calls please.

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

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person