Client Advocate – Civil Legal Services Unit

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. is seeking a Client Advocate in our Civil Legal Services (CLS) Unit to focus initially on foreclosure defense. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals in the Western New York community by serving as the initial representative and point of contact for Bureau clients facing threats to home ownership.

Client Advocates work closely with CLS attorneys and clients to provide comprehensive assistance in various practice areas. This position will focus on identifying and responding to clients’ needs in mortgage and tax foreclosure defenses matters, bankruptcies, and estate planning matters, with the goal of preserving home ownership for the benefit and stability of our clients, their families, and WNY communities.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Pay: Earn a salary ranging from $57,000 to $72,000, commensurate with your experience.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents.
• Generous vacation, personal, and sick time.
• Paid parenthood leave plan
• 401(k) retirement
• Long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, supplemental term life insurance, and other voluntary insurance offerings
• Parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, and a flexible spending account.
• Union Position: Be part of a supportive collective bargaining environment.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness: Qualifying employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Loan Forgiveness Program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Interviews clients, witnesses, family members, etc. at various locations, (including court detention and Mental Health facilities) for factual information related to the case.
• Performs field investigations, if necessary, to prepare for case, including home visits.
• Reviews and/or obtains histories, service plans, agency, medical or school records and clinical assessments of clients.
• Prepares written reports based on the clients’ needs and/or wishes, as directed by an attorney.
• Obtains and assembles all necessary reports, documents, or court records relating to the case.
• Maintains accurate case records.
• Confers with caseworkers, service providers, educators, representatives of other agencies, probation officers or any other collateral individual, as required.
• Presents cases before hearing officers, as required by unit.
• Performs legal research as directed and verifies citations and statutory references contained in legal documents.
• Works collaboratively with attorneys to develop recommendations for the Court and prepares written reports regarding completed investigations.
• Attends court proceedings and provides testimony, as required.
• Files and organizes legal research materials as directed.
• Attends meetings, reviews, conferences or other functions, at various locations, as required by unit.

Employment Standards:

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered four (4) year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree; or
• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college with an Associate’s degree in a related field and two (2) years of related experience; or
• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and five (5) years of related experience; or
• An equivalent combination of demonstrated training and experience.
• Experience in real estate, foreclosure prevention, and/or Chapter 7 bankruptcies preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Possession of a valid New York State Driver’s License and access to a registered, insured vehicle available for use during working hours, or demonstrated ability to meet the transportation requirements of the position.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from minorities, females, disabled individuals, veterans, and individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc.
Attention:
Human Resources
290 Main Street, Suite 400
Buffalo, NY 14202

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.