JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

ADVOCATE / PARALEGAL POSITION -- ELDER LAW

(Temporary Position Currently Available through September 2024)

Senior Adults Legal Assistance (SALA) is a non-profit law office located in San Jose that provides free legal services to Santa Clara County residents 60 or older, targeting clients who are low income or at risk of abuse, isolation, or loss of independence.  SALA specializes in legal matters of importance to our target population, such as: Public Benefits (Social Security, SSI, Medicare, Medi-Cal); Housing; Elder Abuse; Nursing Homes and Alternatives to Institutionalization; Consumer/Finance matters; and basic Legal Planning for the Future. 

SALA seeks candidates for a temporary full time Advocate/Paralegal position. Under the supervision of a licensed attorney on SALA’s staff, the Advocate/Paralegal will provide legal advice, brief service, and advocacy/ representation (when appropriate) in the full range of legal matters that SALA handles. The Advocate/Paralegal will also undertake community education and outreach activities.  Due to the vulnerable nature of SALA’s elderly clientele, proof of vaccination may be required unless there is a medical or religious exemption.  This position is currently available through September 2024, although this could be subject to change based upon funding.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Conduct client interviews in-person at senior centers in Santa Clara County, by phone, or at SALA’s office;
• Under the supervision of a SALA attorney, and as appropriate, provide full range of legal assistance to clients;
• Make visits to clients in their homes or visits to clients in skilled nursing or assisted living facilities;
• Conduct community education or outreach activities virtually or in-person at senior centers or other locations;
• Manage own caseload and work collaboratively with other SALA attorneys and advocates on cases as needed;
• Maintain client files, including accurate data, time, and other records for each case;
• Perform administrative tasks related to service and billing reports for funders and for program evaluation;
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Four (4) year college degree, Paralegal Certificate, J.D. degree, or equivalent education and experience;
• Demonstrated commitment to the needs of elderly and/or low income populations preferred, but not required;
• Bilingual skills in English/Spanish, English/Mandarin, English/Vietnamese or other languages spoken by SALA’s target clientele are highly desirable;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook;
• California Drivers License and auto liability insurance as required by SALA's funders and insurance carrier.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit for extended periods and frequent use of phone and computer systems;
• Ability to travel throughout Santa Clara County on a regular basis;
• Use of office equipment, such as copier, printer, and fax machine.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS. $33.00 an hour. SALA’s regular work schedule is 35 hours per week. Benefits include: medical dental, and vision plans; life insurance and long-term disability; paid sick leave, vacation leave, and personal leave; and paid agency holidays.

APPLICATIONS:  Submit applications (a resume and cover letter) to SALA Supervising Attorney Michele Schroeder at mschroeder@sala.org or mail to SALA, 1425 Koll Circle #109, San Jose, CA 95112.

SALA is an Equal Opportunity Employer