Social Services Navigator

Posted: September 2026

To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to Rachel Haseley, CHRO @ rhaseley@elderjusticeny.org   

Location: Buffalo, NY

Department: Social Navigation Unit

Salary Range: Salary starting at $52,824 depending on experience and union pay scale

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 Summary: Center for Elder Law & Justice is looking to fill a full-time Social Services Navigator to work within our Social Navigation Unit. The Social Services Navigator will support the needs of clients receiving assistance through our medical-legal partnership program, the MedLaw Partnership of WNY. The Navigator assists and provides a range of social support to the MedLaw team, as well as guidance and support to clients and other parties directly involved, and related to, their respective caseload.

Essential Functions: 

  • Assist with social needs of CELJ clients receiving services through MedLaw Partnership of WNY partner healthcare facilities

  • Work with clients to complete benefit applications for programs such as SNAP, HEAP, Medicaid, MSP, LIS, and SSI/SSDI

  • Work with healthcare providers at partner facilities to address complex and intractable problems facing hospital patients

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

  • Engage in trauma-informed brief supportive counseling

  • Accompany clients to appointments and court proceedings, as needed

  • Collaborate with Social Navigation Unit Supervisor, and MedLaw Unit attorneys or paralegals on case responsibilities:

    • Provide telephone counseling and follow up

    • Obtain case information and make referrals as needed

    • Provide emergency assistance and personal advocacy

    • Keep accurate concurrent case notes

    • Remain in consistent and supportive communication with clients

    • Complete and submit accurate benefit applications

  • Investigate and fact-find for cases and special projects

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

  • Participate in community outreach, and education to individuals and local community-based organization, and other advocates

  • Build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders

  • Represent the civil practice and legal aid in the community

  • Promote the work of the office and civil practice

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Must be comfortable working in hospital settings

  • Travel amongst WNY counties is required

  • Client visits, which can include in-home meetings, are required as needed

 EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work,  or related field

  • 1 – 3 years of experience in Social Work, Human Services, or related field

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

  • Excellent writing, speaking and organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients, healthcare providers, community organizations, attorneys, and the public, working closely to achieve creative solutions to cases.

  • Should demonstrate strong listening skills and patience with clients

  • Demonstrated research and analytical skills

  • Strong attention to detail, well organized and accurate

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

  • Experience in providing trauma-informed care

  • Experience in providing direct client services and managing a case load

  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment

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