Senior Paralegal Associate

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION:
To provide case management, case event tracking, record keeping, legal research tasks, and general administrative support for the Office of General Counsel Health Sciences (OGC-HS) staff. Working under the supervision of an attorney in OGC-HS, duties shall include drafting and filing pleadings, preparing correspondence, legal memoranda, and other legal communications as directed, and assisting with all facets of the litigation process from claim identification through investigation to resolution.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:
Has no budget authority and supervises no employees.

NATURE AND SCOPE:
Interacts on a daily basis with the General Counsel, OGC Attorneys, and OGC Staff. Also routinely interacts with Howard University Hospital Corporation (“HUHC”) Board Members, Hospital executive leaders and staff, University officials, University faculty and staff, attorneys in private firms, Federal and District court staff, administrative agency staff and other third parties.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Serves as primary point of contact for receipt of invoices, subpoenas, patient authorizations, medical records, and other document requests. Coordinates with attorney to establish and implement action plan for timely responding to all such requests.
• Maintains case files and records on medical malpractice and general liability matters according to established guidelines and provides related reports. Accurately tracks, documents, and reports case activity as required to inform attorneys and OGC staff of case status and pending deadlines.
• Locates and secures treatment, billing, employment, security, quality, and other records and documents in response to Court Orders, subpoenas, patient authorizations, attorney requests, regulatory inquiries, and other records or document requests. Accurately tracks and documents subpoena service, subpoena response, and other document production activity.
• Provides investigative support of factual situations and also gathers information for use in connection with claims investigations and preparation of cases for hearing or trial.
• Locates treating providers and other persons of interest who have been named in pre-litigation or litigation matters or in non-party discovery inquiries. Facilitates communication with and scheduling of witnesses for interviews, depositions, or court appearances.
• Provides administrative support for monthly Claims Review Committee, Risk Assessment and Accountability Committee, and HUHC Board Credentialing meetings. Assists in collecting, assembling, and distributing meeting materials. Provides technical support during meeting. Prepares Meeting Minutes. Maintains log of action items and monitors completion status.
• Coordinates claims investigations with the Office of Insurance and Risk Services, Office of the Chief Medical Officer, and Medical Staff Office and serve as primary non-attorney liaison between these offices and OGC-Health Sciences.
• Timely and accurately processes litigation hold requests and maintains an accurate and up-to-date log of status.
• Timely and accurately processes invoices for payment and maintains an accurate and up-to-date log of status.
• Manages incoming postal and electronic mail and telephone calls for the Office. Coordinates and schedules meetings, and completes other administrative tasks as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Able to maintain strict confidentiality of all information and communication related to the department’s operations.
• Able to interact and collaborate effectively with all levels of personnel.
• Able to be a proactive self-starter, who understands the details within a much larger context.
• Able to effectively work under tight deadlines and manage multiple, detailed tasks.
• Able to anticipate problems and issues and exercise independent judgment to make sound, justifiable decisions while knowing when and to whom to escalate issues.
• Able to learn and follow established procedures and rules and to execute special instructions accurately.
• Able to organize assigned work according to established priorities, to work productively under pressure, and to adhere to deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to perceive, analyze, and accurately summarize essential facts presented in legal situations and documents.
• Must be proficient in word processing, electronic research, and data and document management software applications.
• Must effectively communicate and exhibit excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Must display a high degree of professionalism at all times and exercise sound judgment and decision-making skills to resolve sensitive matters.
• Must use independent judgment and initiative to complete regular assignments in accordance with established policies and procedures.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Undergraduate degree or combination of education and 5 years’ experience as a Paralegal. JD or Certificate from an ASA-accredited paralegal/legal assistant training program. 5 Years legal experience, with some litigation and/or health care experience preferred.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000