Benefits Team

Central California Legal Services, Inc.•Fresno, CA

1d•$20 - $33

About The Position

This paralegal (full-time, temporary) position focuses on public benefit legal services for the Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP). The HDAP project involves representing the homeless population in Fresno County in their administrative public benefits cases with the goal of ensuring disabled clients obtain permanent and stable income. This work includes meeting and interviewing clients, collaborating with Fresno County staff, reviewing medical records, developing the case for appeal, and representing the clients at the Appeal Hearing. HDAP is one of several projects of the Consumer/Senior/Public Benefits (CSB) legal practice group. The CSB also provides consumer justice support to the communities throughout the Central Valley of California. These efforts are accomplished through legal work in the areas of estate planning, public benefits support, and fraud protection particularly in the area of solar panel fraud. This position may include other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Experience providing support to attorneys in a formal law firm, legal department, or equivalent setting;
Demonstrate a genuine interest in the needs and legal rights of low-income people and elderly or disabled persons;
Ability to follow case review policies and procedures;
Knowledge of the principles and procedures of court proceedings;
Knowledge of, or ability to learn, consumer, public benefits, and senior rights law;
Ability to conduct client interviews, investigations, legal research, analytical reasoning ability, case review and problem solving;
Superior interpersonal, oral and written communication skills;
Ability to work closely with others in a small unit setting; a commitment to teamwork is essential;
Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of individuals and organizations including ability to provide leadership within a culturally diverse environment; must maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels and with the public;
Competency/experience with PC systems and standard software (Microsoft Office, Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other relevant databases);
Reliable transportation, a valid CA Drivers’ License with appropriate car insurance.
Education, training and experience sufficient to meet the requirements of Business & Professions Code § 6450, including documentation of at least one of the following:
A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association;
A certificate of completion of a paralegal program, or a degree from a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester (or equivalent) units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education;
A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks;
A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.

Responsibilities

Under attorney supervision, assist with drafting pleadings, discovery, document management, and general case management in consumer-related cases;
Interview, assist, and otherwise provide high quality services to clients consistent with CCLS program priorities;
Participate in weekly CCLS case review meetings;
Interface with other CCLS and California advocates on issues of mutual interest;
Participate with client groups and community-based service providers;
Carry out CCLS policies and procedures;
Attend training and keep abreast of changes in the law;
Perform other duties as assigned.

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