Advocate - SSI Team

Legal Aid Society Of San Diego•San Diego, CA

5d•$25 - $35•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Managing Attorney, Supervising Attorney, and Assistant Program Manager, represent clients applying for Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Legal Aid Society of San Diego (LASSD), the largest poverty law firm serving San Diego County since 1953, strengthens our communities by redressing our clients’ legal problems, empowering our clients to access and effectively participate within the legal, governmental, and social systems and encouraging self-empowerment in the fight against poverty and injustice. LASSD continues to be a proud, committed, and compassionate group of people dedicated to providing equal access to justice for San Diegans through aggressive, quality legal services. #justicebeginshere

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, or demonstrated equivalent experience which shows strong writing, verbal, reading, analytical, and research skills.
Ability to gather and complete information from clients in a telephonic interview or in-person interview, using trauma-informed techniques.
Ability to respond to clients in a calm, empathetic, and professional manner while courteously directing the conversation to the pertinent issues.
Ability to work independently, support team efforts, strategize, and plan so as to timely and consistently meet grant deliverables and reporting requirements.
Must have reliable transportation.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills to handle high-volume caseload.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in written and spoken Spanish preferred
Experience as an advocate or paralegal, including intake, interviews, and research related to legal issues or experience in a related field.
Experience in client customer service including intake, interviews, and research related to legal issues, orexperience in the field and understanding of related systems, laws, and regulations.
Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income people.
Ability to work successfully with people from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Conducts intake and follow-up interviews of applicants and clients in the office, on the phone, and at outreach locations out of the office.
Prepares forms and gathers documentation for submission to the Social Security Administration.
Requests, evaluates, and submits medical evidence.
Conducts basic and routine factual investigation and legal research.
Prepare memorandums, letters, and standard legal documents.
Regularly updates clients on case statuses.
Develops and maintains good working relationships with a variety of healthcare providers and government and social service agencies.
Assists with community outreach and education.
Additional duties consistent with abilities and need for services.
Compliance with all program and grant requirements, team policies, and organization-wide policies.
Other duties as assigned by the Managing Attorney and/or Executive Management.