Paralegal-Community Work Incentives Coordinator

Job Title: Staff Paralegal – Community Work Incentives Coordinator 

Classification: Non-Exempt Professional, eligible for Collective Bargaining Unit membership  

Reports to: Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Project Director 

Organization Overview: 

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. (NLS) is the largest provider of civil legal services in Western New York with two offices in Buffalo, including the central office and offices in Batavia, Lockport, and Niagara Falls. This position is based in Buffalo. NLS advocates for thousands of clients each year, including clients who are facing eviction, families who have no money for food or rent, survivors and victims of domestic violence, members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities. We invite you to join our team and to use your talents and skills to help people and change systems. 

Job Summary: 

NLS is seeking to hire a Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) in our Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Project. CWICs provide free work incentives counseling to Social Security beneficiaries to assist them in making informed decisions regarding the impact of returning to work and their public benefits.  

Essential Functions: 

• Complete the WIPA intake form provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to gather client information, including but not limited to, relevant background information, disability, employment, earnings, health insurance, and public benefits.
• Complete a Benefits Summary and Analysis (BSA) to provide clients with a clear, accurate and credible summary to demonstrate the potential impact of employment on their public benefits including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, Medicaid, subsidized housing, SNAP, Veterans benefits and any other local, state, or federal benefits.
• Provide work incentives counseling to clients by providing them with the information to help them make informed decisions regarding their employment, self-sufficiency, and public benefits. Assist clients with reporting their earnings to SSA and other agencies from which they receive public benefits.
• Provide follow-up assistance to reassess the impact of changes on benefits and work incentives.
• Assess and make necessary referrals to the state Vocational Rehabilitation program. Follow up with clients at critical touchpoints and using the WIPA protocol. 
• Participate in and complete  training necessary to receive and maintain certification through Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
• Prepare and distribute information on work incentives programs.

• Conduct outreach, especially to those groups in the WIPA priorities. Collaborate with agencies and non-profits that serve clients with disabilities.
• Enter data into the appropriate data systems including WIPA STAR and NLS’ case management system, LegalServer.
• Manage the Helpline and Technical Assistance line as needed.
• Assist clients with using SSI/SSDI work incentives. Advocate on behalf of clients with other agencies to access benefits and support and complete all work by safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

Required Qualifications and Core Competencies: 

• College degree, paralegal certification or equivalent experience .
• Experience working with vulnerable populations and knowledge of community resources.
• Self-motivated and dependable.
• knowledge of Microsoft programs, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Exceptional listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with an ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, demonstrating leadership and initiative.
• Commitment to the mission and clients of the legal services program.
• Must be able to obtain Federal Level 5 Suitability clearance.

Compensation & Benefits: 

Salary range is $46,610 -$76,435, depending upon experience. Full-time position with a thirty-five (35) hour work week and shorter summer hours. Excellent benefits including health, dental and vision insurance, fifteen (15) vacation days; twelve (12) paid holidays plus paid week off between Christmas and New Year’s; sick and personal leave; eligibility for public student loan forgiveness; paid $50,000 life insurance, pension plan, HRA, and Flexible Spending Accounts.