Supervising attorney
Posted: February 2026
To Apply: Please send cover letter and resume to Rachel Haseley, CHRO @ rhaseley@elderjusticeny.org. No phone calls, please.
Location: Buffalo, NY
Salary Range: Starting at $90,000 annually, based on experience
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.
Position Summary:
Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) is seeking a Supervisor for benefit enrollment and navigation programs. The Supervisor will oversee the operations of community-based programs that provide non-legal services, ensuring programs comply with legal and ethical standards, meet community needs, and achieve organizational goals. The position requires a combination of program development expertise, program management, and leadership skills to supervise staff, manage service delivery, and provide strategic guidance.
Essential Functions
Supervise the operational and programmatic activities of community-based programs delivering non-legal services.
Provide mentorship and guidance to program staff, including coordinators, paralegals, and other personnel.
Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and professional ethics in providing non-legal services.
Develop and implement policies, workflows, and best practices for program operations.
Monitor program effectiveness, evaluate performance metrics, and provide reports to senior management.
Serve as liaison between the program, partner organizations, and stakeholders in the community.
Facilitate training and professional development opportunities for staff.
Address client needs, handle escalated matters, and participate directly in complex or sensitive cases as needed.
Step in to provide back-up as needed for temporary staff shortages.
Travel and evening/weekend hours required.
Each Supervisor is expected to:
Assume primary responsibility for their units’ operations, including setting priorities, developing program areas, and creating and participating in outreach events.
Work with HR handling training & development and performance.
Work with the development team to identify and write grants to support their unit.
Help the CEO set the agency’s lobbying priorities and work with elected officials on legislation.
Provide quality assurance and supervision essential to the delivery of high quality services.
Participate in hiring, firing and disciplinary decisions.
Pro-actively engage with peers in continually developing way to better serve our clients.
Build and strengthen strategic alliances and collaborative relationships.
Develop and embrace innovative and efficient methods in which to deliver services.
Enthusiastically support the work of all CELJ employees and be a defender and booster of the organization to the wider public.
Required Qualifications
Advanced degree with a minimum of 3–5 years of relevant experience, preferably in community legal services or public interest law.
Demonstrated experience in supervising staff and managing community programs.
Strong knowledge of program compliance, ethical standards, and risk management in service delivery.
Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
Ability to analyze complex situations and guide non-legal staff to make effective operational decisions.
Commitment to social justice, community engagement, and improving access to legal services.
Preferred Qualifications
JD preferred, those with an MSW and significant program development experience will be considered.
Experience in grant management, reporting, and program evaluation.
Familiarity with community outreach strategies, relationship building, and public education initiatives.
CELJ offers a generous benefits and compensation package, including:
90%-100% employer covered health premiums
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 any such candidates are strongly encouraged to apply