Social Worker, Dunkirk Office

Posted: March 2024

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

Location: Center for Elder Law & Justice - 314 Central Avenue, Suite 300, Dunkirk, NY 14048 - About Us

Department: Elder Abuse

This position will be based out of Dunkirk.

Salary Range: 43k – 55k Salary is based on experience and alignment with steps in union scale.

Center for Elder Law & Justice, a community-based organization, is looking to fill a FT Paralegal position in our Housing Unit.

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) 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 SUMMARY:

  • Responsible for intake of new clients, assessing needs and making appropriate referrals

  • Interview clients, family/friends, and facility staff, as well as medical records and other paperwork

  • Engage in trauma-informed brief supportive counseling

  • Accompany clients to family court proceedings, as needed

  • Communicate with clients throughout their cases, including letter drafting and correspondence

  • Investigate and fact-find for cases

  • Work alongside case managers and nursing staff

  • Assist with E-MDT coordination.

  • Act as a community resource for professionals and other agencies for issues concerning Elder Abuse

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

  • Coordinate and collaborate with other groups and organizations

  • Represent and promote the civil legal services of the agency

Qualifications:

  • BSW, preferred

  • 1 – 5 years of experience in a similar role

  • Bilingual, Spanish speaking, preferred

  • Experience with trauma informed care, helpful

  • Legal services or public interest background, helpful

  • Strong, professional, verbal, and written communication skills

  • Some travel and in-home visits, required

  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, with a high caseload

  • Ability to work efficiently and accurately while exhibiting patience and diplomacy

CELJ offers a competitive benefits and compensation package, including:

  • Fully sponsored health, dental and vision

  • Generous vacation and sick time

  • 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