Job Description

WNYLC Zombies Community Engagement Paralegal Job Posting:

The Western New York Law Center (WNYLC) is currently seeking an enthusiastic Community Engagement Paralegal to join our Vacant & Abandoned Property Unit. As a Zombies Community Engagement Paralegal, you will work in partnership with the Erie County Clerk’s Office on zombie properties. Work will be performed in office at the Erie County Clerk’s Office 3x/week and in office at WNYLC or hybrid 2x/week. The goal of the Erie County Clerk’s Zombies Initiative is to hold mortgage servicers accountable and find solutions to blight in communities caused by vacant and abandoned properties. The Zombies Initiative acts as a tool and resource for community members and municipalities.

WNYLC is a nonprofit legal services provider. Founded in 1996, WNYLC exists to promote human and civil rights with an overarching commitment to racial and economic justice. To further that mission, WNYLC provides legal services to low- and moderate-income individuals through specific programs that currently focus on eviction and foreclosure prevention, consumer debt and bankruptcy assistance, small business formation, and representation in school discipline proceedings. Beyond providing individual legal services through these programs, the WNYLC also aims to ensure that all members of our community receive the full range of civil legal services by providing "non-traditional" legal assistance like policy advocacy, community legal education and consciousness-raising, and impact litigation to address systemic issues such as discrimination and redlining. We are committed to advocating for meaningful reforms and policies that address racial and economic injustice and to creating safe and inclusive communities within and outside the organization. For more information visit our website: Western New York Law Center (wnylc.com)

To be a successful Community Engagement Paralegal, you should have excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. You should also be skilled in the use of technology, such as Salesforce & spreadsheets, and online researching, and in handling administrative duties.

Community Engagement Paralegal Responsibilities:

Engage the community in the identification of zombie properties.

Assist in identifying vacant properties using data, community outreach, municipal engagement, and neighborhood complaints.

Track vacant properties using Excel, Salesforce, and Building Blocks.

Research vacant properties and legal proceedings.

Research Notices of Pendency on file at the Erie County Clerk’s Office and perform title research to determine the mortgage servicer or holder responsible for property maintenance.

Consult with local municipal officials on the provisions of the Abandoned Property Neighborhood Relief Act of 2016, provide guidance to code enforcement officials and municipal attorneys regarding enforcement actions against the lenders.

Coordinate Erie County Clerk’s Office Zombie Task Force meetings.

Work with community members/municipal staff to find resolutions to bring properties into code compliance.

Maintain a shared database of zombie properties in Erie County and consult with municipal officials while tracking the progress of each foreclosure case affecting a zombie property.

Update shared database to note any property transfers.

Utilize Building Blocks software to track zombie properties.

Work with WNYLC’s marketing team on publicizing the work of the project and encouraging the community to report zombie properties.

Develop press releases, brochures, and other marketing materials.

Attend outreach events and conduct informational presentations.

Work in a paralegal capacity when needed, including work with clients, perform intakes, collect and maintain documents, and meet with clients.

Community Engagement Paralegal Requirements:

A college degree, or equivalent paralegal training or experience.

Strong commitment to nonprofit/public interest work.

Ability to relate well to people who are low-income or of diverse nationalities and cultures.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

Strong organizational and data management skills.

Proficient in use of computer software and platforms, including experience with, or ability to learn, Excel, Salesforce, and Building Blocks

Strong primary research skills.

Flexibility, as day-to-day tasks will vary.

Availability to work evenings or weekends as needed to attend outreach events.

Ability to travel to attend outreach events throughout the Western New York region, as necessary.

Strong public interest legal service provider knowledge is a plus.

Self-motivated and good at planning and executing projects.

To Apply:

Please send resume, cover letter, and the names of three professional references to Lauren Haas, Operations Manager, at [email protected].

WNYLC 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $44,881.00 - $53,590.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Wellness program
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Microsoft Office: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Buffalo, NY 14202 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Buffalo, NY 14202: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Buffalo, NY 14202

Job Tags

Remote job, Full time, Relief, Local area, Work from home, Relocation, Flexible hours, Weekend work, Afternoon shift, Monday to Friday,

Similar Jobs