The Paralegal performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which the attorneys in the Legal Department are responsible. Provides administrative support to the Legal Department and other departments, when appropriate. Maintains and updates company legal files and other related documents, as necessary.

• Responds to field inquiries about guardianship matters, disclosures to police, government benefits, and mental health law issues.
• Responds to field inquiries about the applicability of the Community Residency Tenancy Act (CRTA) to the housing of certain persons served by the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Division. Analyzes the applicability of the CRTA, evaluates the strength of the evidence, and when appropriate, prepares notices of the company’s proposed eviction of such persons served under the CRTA. Coordinates the service of process, prepares the company’s witnesses, and as needed, represents the company at administrative hearings on the propriety of proposed evictions. Prepares and delivers training to the field on the CRTA.
• Serves as the company’s contact person for field and operations personnel, and family members, regarding family members’ requests for the deceased persons’ assets and records in the custody of the company. Explains the probate court process for obtaining an appointment as the administrator of the estate and coordinates the company’s responses to legal representatives seeking assets and records of deceased persons.
• Prepares responses to all subpoenas and court orders, initial requests for discovery, and requests for other information from the company (e.g., attorney requests for employee records).
• Prepares and coordinates filings required by the Secretary of State’s Corporations Division, including, but not limited to, annual reports for Vinfen and affiliates. Coordinates internal communications with lobbyists regarding the filing requirements of the Secretary of State’s Lobbyist Division; coordinates the semi-annual filings of the company, and its lobbyists. Requests and obtains documentation from State offices, local registries, and other administrative offices.
• Prepares the company’s applications for various insurance policies. Provides liaison and information gathering support in the assessment and investigation of insurance claims.
• Conducts legal research via the Internet and draft synopses of the context, the information sought, and its likely meaning for the company.
• Conducts internal investigations of select situations with identified legal risk to the company, as assigned. Interviews witnesses (including employees and clients, as necessary); conducts detailed review of confidential and other records, conducts site reviews; drafts investigation reports of same.
• Assists with preparation and delivery of training to management personnel on relevant topics.
• Assists with drafting, reviewing, and revising certain business contracts and Business Associate Agreements.
• Assists with collections matters involving monies owed to the company, and with responses to demands for monies purportedly owed by the company.
• Coordinates Legal Department projects with other departments, as necessary (e.g., drafting revisions of program operations policies and forms; drafts promissory notes).
• Creates, organizes, and maintains legal files and related documentation.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers.

My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Bachelor’s degree required, other advanced degrees a plus.

Three to five years of relevant experience. In some instances, experience may be substituted for academic training.

Certificate in paralegal studies a plus.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing matters including, but not limited to: the privacy and confidentiality of the records, protected health information, and personal information of persons served; legal assistance resources available to persons served; guardianship; probate procedures for the appointment of a legal representative of an estate; the Community Residency Tenancy Act, and personnel records
• Working knowledge of laws and regulations as they apply to matters including, but not limited to: Representative Payee for Social Security benefits; corporations; third party creditor summonses, and Criminal Offender Record Information
• Excellent reading comprehension skills
• Excellent legal and factual research skills
• Excellent critical thinking skills
• Excellent interviewing and summation skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent planning and organizing skills
• Ability to compose original correspondence
• Ability to draft affidavits, pleadings, memoranda, correspondence, training materials, and other written communications for the review of the General Counsel
• Ability to foster, promote, and maintain positive and constructive internal and external working relationships
• Ability to write and speak clearly and succinctly
• Ability to meet and adhere to strict deadlines
• Ability to work under competing demands and priorities
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity
• Knowledge of personal computer hardware and software applications

Driving Requirements:

Driving is not required.

Physical Effort:

Ability to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand and move around the facility. Ability to speak, hear and communicate with persons served, staff and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.