Job Opportunities

Are you looking to take your career to new heights with a leader in healthcare? SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is one of the nation's leading metropolitan medical centers. As the only academic medical center in Brooklyn, we serve a large population that is among the most diverse in the world. We are also highly-ranked by Castle Connolly Medical, a healthcare rating company for consumers, among the top 5 leading U.S. medical schools for training doctors.

Bargaining Unit:

MC

Job Summary:

The Office of General Counsel at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is seeking a full-time Senior Paralegal. The successful candidate will:

• Administer the small claims process on campus, conducting the investigation, preparing recommendations of appropriate actions, preparation and distribution of required documents and coordination with appropriate departments. 
• Manage non-professional negligence cases brought against the campus and related enterprises by maintaining the records/files, both electronic and hard copies concerning various accidents that occur in and around the campus; respond to subpoena requests for information, such as reports or video and coordinating with the New York State Attorney General’s Office in the collection of related documents/evidence and acting as the liaison with outside attorneys and/or investigators who require on-site visits where incidents have occurred; identify and coordinate witnesses as necessary.
• Respond to notices of violations and hearings from various New York City Agencies on behalf of the campus, including the investigation of related matters, determination of appropriate action and follow up, drafting of sovereign immunity letters and other appropriate responses including settlements, and attendance at hearings as required. 
• Respond to routine subpoenas for institutional non-medical/hospital records and reviewing authorization for Human Resources record requests and student record requests as needed. 
• Route and respond to all routine FOIL requests, including document production for requests that include large volume copying and redaction; ensure that mandated FOIL deadlines are met; 
• Provide various legal research assistance to the OGC Team as requested, utilizing such tools as Westlaw and Lexis Nexis. 
• Manage legal records for the department and ensuring the legal matter management system (currently LegalFiles) is updated with requisite information for each case. 
• Work on special projects as requested, such as redaction of institutional records, including medical records; assisting with preparation of reports for various campus committees; assist with litigation matters, including document production; research, report writing and information gathering; and providing notary services to the Downstate Community.
• Serve as support to the Downstate OGC Team to work with the New York State Attorney General’s to obtain status updates of Downstate MedMal cases so that the Downstate Team is informed of actions such as settlements, dismissals, trial status, and payouts; this may include scheduling meetings, following up on requested information, tracking case and settlement payment status’ and other administrative actions as necessary.
• Assist with various administrative duties in support of the office/team as well as providing back up to the Office Administrative Manager.
• Assist in training new or supporting paralegal staff and/or temporary personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned and as business needs warrant.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• 3 to 6 years of experience as a paralegal in a law firm, government, in-house legal department or other similar legal environment.
• Effective oral and written skills including knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation, tact, diplomacy and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage a heavy workload and prioritize multiple projects under pressure.
• Maintain a professional and positive attitude while effectively meeting deadlines.
• Strong computer skills, including a proficiency in using Westlaw, Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point and Outlook), New York eCourts, Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Familiarity with internet applications and ability to learn other office technology and databases.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Active listening, judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of management and must work and communicate effectively with both internal and external contacts.
• Ability to work as part of a team and willing to back up others.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working as a paralegal in an academic healthcare setting.
• Experience/interactions with the Attorney General’s Office in negligence cases, particularly medical malpractice.
• Paralegal Certificate or Paralegal Degree.
• New York State Notary License – preferred, or license required within one year of hire.
• Driven and self-motivated with a strong desire for learning.

Work Schedule:

Monday to Friday; Variable Hours

Salary Grade/Rank:

Salary Range:

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:

  An approved COVID-19 vaccination.

Executive Order:

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation.  If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

Women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities and members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact Human Resources at ada@downstate.edu