Paralegal - Public Benefits

Legal Aid Chicago has been providing free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty for over 50 years. They are seeking a full-time paralegal to assist individuals in applying for benefits from the Illinois Department of Human Services and Social Security Administration, focusing on legal screening, representation, and community outreach.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and grow knowledge of law and procedures related to Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits and benefits administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF)
• Conduct intake and comprehensive legal screening for potential new clients
• Represent clients by undertaking such activities as: interview clients and conduct initial fact gathering; conduct factual and legal research; devise, update, and implement case strategies; prepare a case for hearing; draft legal documents; negotiate; present evidence; interrogate witnesses; conduct oral advocacy in administrative proceedings; and properly maintain an ongoing client relationship
• Assist clients to apply for benefits from the IDHS and SSA including completing and submitting application forms and obtaining, preparing, and submitting other documents necessary to establish eligibility
• Provide administrative and litigation support to attorneys including, but not limited to drafting letters, pleadings, discovery, records requests; creating outreach materials; and maintaining paper files and intake materials
• Provide advice and referrals to individuals
• Participate in maintaining good community relations by acting as a liaison between community groups and the Legal Aid Chicago staff. Tasks may include regular application assistance activities at off-site locations; outreach and community education to client groups and social service agency personnel; advocacy training in legal rights
• Maintain knowledge of the case acceptance criteria of the Public Benefits Practice group and other Legal Aid Chicago practice groups to facilitate appropriate internal referrals
• Maintain case files and accurate case notes and timekeeping in electronic case management system
• Track data related to grants and assist with grant reporting
• Partner and collaborate with other Legal Aid Chicago staff, as well as staff from partner agencies
• Maintain proficiency with equipment and technology necessary to perform the duties of the position, and
• Other duties as determined by the Supervising Attorney and Director

Skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Highly developed organizational skills
• Great client counseling skills
• Genuine desire to interact with clients
• Knowledge of and experience with public benefits issues
• Commitment to and experience with client communities and/or people living in poverty
• Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations with clients, co-workers, and the community
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Fluency in Spanish

Benefits

• Bilingual Paralegals are eligible for an additional stipend?
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment
• Time Off: 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment
• 19 paid holidays, including four (4) floating holidays
• Twelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the salary after six months of employment
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution after one year of employment
• $50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no cost
• Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost
• Monthly internet reimbursement
• Legal Aid Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program

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