Staff attorney - Health Advocacy

Posted: February 2025

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

Location: Center for Elder Law & Justice - 438 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202

Department: Health Advocacy

Salary Range: Starts at 66k, based on experience and alignment with steps in union scale.

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.

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:

Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, the Attorney will be responsible for assisting their department to ensure that the firm represents clients in a holistic manner to achieve clients’ goals through aggressive advocacy, including litigation. The Attorney will work closely with the paralegals and support staff to develop and implement the firm’s mission and goals.

Essential Functions:

  • Handle caseloads directly or through supervision of paralegals by providing advice, assistance investigation, and negotiation.

  • Provide representation in court, administrative hearings, and with local, State, and federal agencies

  • Manage appeals, grievances, and advocacy in the following areas:

    • Medicare

    • Medicaid

    • Private health insurance

  • Provide training, community outreach, and education to individuals and local community-based organization, and other advocates

  • Coordinate and collaborate with other groups and organizations such as health care coalitions. This can include participation in:

    • Monthly conference calls

    • Meetings

    • Active involvement in committees

  • Represent the civil practice and legal aid in the community

  • Promote the work of the office and civil practice

  • Work with pro bono lawyers and partner organizations

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Some travel is required

  • Monitor Federal Register on health care matters

  • Stay apprised of current events and law changes

  • Client home visits, as needed

  • Supervise student interns, as needed

Education & Experience:

  • Juris Doctor (JD) Degree

  • Admitted to practice law in the State of NY

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

  • Strong written and oral communication skills

  • Analytical abilities and problem-solving skills

CELJ offers a competitive benefits and compensation package, including:

  • Generous vacation and sick time

  • Employer covered health, dental & vision

  • Fourteen 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

  • Eligible for Federal Loan Forgiveness

Salary starts at 66k, based on experience and alignment with steps in union scale.

Resumes to Chandler Jones, HR Manager, cjones@elderjusticeny.org