PARALEGAL

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Under the direction of the Director of Quality and Risk Management, the Paralegal supports the hospital's legal, risk management, and regulatory compliance functions. This position conducts legal research, drafts and reviews documents and correspondence, coordinates litigation support and discovery activities with defense counsel, maintains claims and legal case files, and assists with regulatory and accreditation compliance matters. The Paralegal works closely with hospital leadership, Human Resources, Risk Management, and outside counsel on matters affecting the organization. Must be able to perform jobs in all patient care and operational areas subject to reasonable accommodations and be able to employ all mandatory safety devices and procedures. This is a non-union position. See the Essential Job Functions

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Conducts legal research on healthcare regulations, employment law, and hospital compliance matters (e.g., HIPAA, EMTALA, Title 22, CMS Conditions of Participation) as directed.
2. Drafts, reviews, and organizes legal correspondence, contracts, policies, and procedures for review by the Director and/or outside counsel.
3. Initiates and coordinates responses to subpoenas, medical record requests, notices of intent, discovery requests, and litigation holds in conjunction with the Director and defense counsel.
4. Maintains and organizes secure filing systems for current and archived legal documents, including claims, suits, correspondence, and litigation preparation/support materials.
5. Participates in the investigation of potentially compensable events, claims, and suits as directed, including records identification, retention, and retrieval; documents findings for the principal investigator.
6. Facilitates witness interviews in anticipation of litigation or in support of defense team needs.
7. Coordinates with outside counsel on active litigation matters, deposition scheduling, and case status tracking.
8. Supports regulatory compliance activities pertaining to facility licenses and permits at the Federal, State, County, and City level; tracks renewal deadlines and maintains related documentation.
9. Assists with accreditation continual readiness activities and response to regulatory and accrediting body surveys and inquiries.
10. Serves as a resource for Medical and Hospital staff on matters related to legal, risk, and regulatory compliance functions.
11. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal and State rules and regulations and accreditation standards.
12. Demonstrates critical thinking, sound judgment, and strong organizational and prioritizing skills in day -to-day work.
13. Demonstrates flexibility with work hours due to occasional early morning or evening meetings, hearings, or depositions.
14. Consistently meets goals and deadlines established by the Director.

Education:

• Associate's Degree or Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-approved program required;
• Bachelor's Degree preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 2-3 years of paralegal experience required; healthcare or hospital setting strongly preferred. Prior litigation support and regulatory compliance experience preferred.

Licenses/Certificates:

• Notary Public preferred. Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-approved program preferred if not held at hire.

Special Skills:

• Strong legal research and writing skills
• proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal case management/document management software
• excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail
• ability to manage multiple deadlines independently and as part of a team
• ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient, employee, and hospital legal matters