What are the responsibilities and job description for the Risk Assistant/Paralegal position at City of Binghamton?
Job Title: Risk Assistant / Paralegal
Department: Corporation Counsel’s Office
Location: City of Binghamton, NY
Job Type: Full-Time | Civil Service (Management Tested Unit)
About the Position
The City of Binghamton is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Risk Assistant / Paralegal to support the City’s self-insurance and risk management operations within the Corporation Counsel’s Office. This position plays a key role in investigating liability claims, conducting legal and factual research, and providing administrative and paralegal support to attorneys and City risk management initiatives.
This is an excellent opportunity for a paralegal, legal assistant, or claims professional who is interested in public service and gaining hands-on experience in municipal law, tort and negligence claims, and government operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the initial intake contact for claims and general complaints made against the City
- Investigate, document, and report on liability claims under the City’s self-insurance program
- Act as a liaison with outside counsel and insurance adjusters on tort and negligence matters
- Conduct legal research involving statutes, case law, regulations, municipal operations, and related topics
- Prepare memoranda, correspondence, and reports for attorneys and City officials
- Perform real property title searches using Broome County Clerk records and related sources
- Provide administrative and project support for the City’s risk management efforts
- Serve as reporting secretary to the City’s Risk Management Committee
- Maintain records and databases and perform daily word processing and data entry using standard office software
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of investigative methods related to liability and insurance claims
- Knowledge of legal documents, legal procedures, and municipal law office operations
- Understanding of local government functions and operations
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to conduct accurate legal research and prepare clear, well-organized reports
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines
- Proficiency with common office software (word processing, spreadsheets, databases)
- Accuracy, initiative, and sound judgment
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must meet one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited or NYS-registered college or university and one (1) year of experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or in insurance claims processing/investigation; or
- Associate’s degree from a regionally accredited or NYS-registered college or university and three (3) years of qualifying experience; or
- Five (5) years of qualifying experience as described above; or
- An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined above.
Additional Information
- This is a civil service position in the Management Tested unit
- The successful candidate will be required to pass a background clearance and a pre-employment drug test
- Physical condition must be commensurate with the demands of the position
Why Work for the City of Binghamton?
The City of Binghamton offers a stable public-sector career, meaningful work serving the community, and the opportunity to work closely with experienced municipal attorneys on a wide range of legal and risk-related matters.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $56,820.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
Salary : $56,820