Staff Paralegal / Work Incentives Counselor

Disability Law Unit

Application Cut-Off Date: Until Position is Filled

Neighborhood Legal Services (NLS) is seeking to hire a staff paralegal/work incentives counselor in our Buffalo office. NLS is a not-for-profit law firm that provides free, high-quality civil legal services to low-income Western New Yorkers. The Work Incentives Counselor will provide individuals living with HIV/AIDS who receive any public benefit with benefits counseling to understand their rights and responsibilities should they begin working. This counseling includes but is not limited to benefit programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability (SSDI), SNAP benefits (i.e., Food Stamps), public and subsidized housing, Medicare, Medicaid, worker’s compensation, cash assistance and veterans’ benefits.  The counselor will assist beneficiaries in achieving self-sufficiency through work and serve as a liaison between partner organizations and eligible clients. The counselor will also provide outreach, community education, participate in community events, correspond with the Social Security Administration and other government agencies on behalf of clients, and provide self-help legal information.  The Counselor will receive certification from an accredited program for benefits counseling services at Cornell University. The individual will work with a team of established benefits advisors.  Extensive travel to meet with clients, educate the community and conduct community outreach will be required by this grant.

How to Apply: Neighborhood Legal Services is committed to building a culturally diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, persons of color, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, persons with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups to apply. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please send (1) cover letter, (2) resume, (3) references, and (4) writing sample to: [email protected]  Be sure to refer to the posting “Work Incentives Counselor” in the title of your email.  NLS cannot accept mailed applications at this time.