Part time Community Lawyering Outreach Coordinator

Center for Elder Law & Justice is looking to fill a Part Time Community Lawyering Outreach Coordinator.

Posted: May 2026

To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to Chandler Jones, HR Manager cjones@elderjusticeny.org

Location: Buffalo Office, 438 Main Street, Suite 1200, Buffalo, NY 14202

Rate: Hourly rate of $25.00, 20 hours per week

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: The Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) seeks a part-time Community Lawyering Outreach Coordinator to strengthen community-based legal advocacy in historically underserved neighborhoods across Western New York. Through funding from the New York State Black Legislative Task Force and working closely with community organizations, the Outreach Coordinator will conduct culturally responsive outreach, education, and partnership-building to ensure older adults and caregivers are informed, prepared, and supported amid upcoming changes to federal Medicaid eligibility requirements. This role embeds legal advocacy directly within trusted community spaces to prevent benefit loss, reduce systemic barriers, and promote long-term stability and health equity.

Essential Functions:

Community Outreach & Education

  • Conduct proactive outreach in East Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and surrounding communities.

  • Organize and facilitate “Know Your Rights” clinics focused on Medicaid, SNAP, and caregiver protections

  • Develop and deliver accessible educational materials tailored to community needs and literacy levels

  • Educate at least 400 older adults and caregivers annually on benefits rights and eligibility requirements

Partnership Development

  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with Black-led and Black-serving organizations, including but not limited to:

    • Buffalo Urban League

    • United Way of Buffalo & Erie County

    • Local churches, block clubs, and neighborhood-based senior centers

  • Coordinate outreach events and joint programming with trusted community intermediaries

  • Strengthen sustainable referral pipelines between community partners and CELJ legal services

Legal Support & Advocacy

  • Serve as a bridge between community members and CELJ attorneys and advocates

  • Identify individuals at risk of losing Medicaid or SNAP benefits due to administrative barriers

  • Facilitate access to direct legal assistance, advocacy, and follow-up services

  • Assist in early intervention efforts to prevent benefit loss prior to the implementation of new Medicaid work requirements

Data, Evaluation & Reporting

  • Track outreach activities, attendance, referrals, and outcomes

  • Collect community feedback to inform program improvements

  • Assist with reporting requirements for funders and partners

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Strong commitment to racial equity, community justice, and elder advocacy

  • Demonstrated ability to build trust and partnerships with community-based organizations

  • Excellent communication and facilitation skills

  • Ability to explain complex information in clear, accessible language

  • Highly organized, self-directed, and comfortable working in community settings

Preferred:

  • Experience in community organizing, social services, public benefits outreach, or legal services

  • Established relationships with community-based organizations

  • Knowledge of Medicaid, SNAP, or other public benefits programs

  • Lived experience as a caregiver or familiarity with caregiver challenges

CELJ offers competitive benefits and compensation package, including:

  • 90%-100% employer covered health premiums

  • Flexible scheduling with remote work eligibility

  • Generous vacation and sick time

  • Fourteen holidays a year, plus two half-day holidays and additional paid time off over the winter holidays.

  • Summer hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day

  • Payment of license fees and association dues

  • Encouragement of professional development

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 all candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. CELJ services are open to all older adults in Western New York.