Disability Legal Services Attorney

IRCO • Portland, OR

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Disability Legal Services Attorney represents refugees, immigrants, and people across cultures and generations in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) matters, including from initial application through appeals and administrative hearings. The position is part of IRCO’s multidisciplinary Legal Services team, which includes Immigration Law, Disability Law, and Family Law units, and works with attorneys and paralegals across these disciplines. The role provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed legal services and supports program quality, continuous learning, and accurate case management.

This is a regular, full-time, 1.0 FTE position with benefits, based at IRCO’s Pacific Islander and Asian Family Center in Portland, Oregon, with a hybrid work schedule. The role may involve occasional schedule adjustments to accommodate client needs, and the work schedule may fluctuate based on organizational or customer needs. The starting salary is $67,442 per year, based on experience.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
• License to practice law in a U.S. state and membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar or another state bar.
• Experience working with immigrant and refugee communities.
• Strong legal research, writing, verbal advocacy, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and time management, with the ability to meet competing deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong intercultural, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Established connections to Oregon’s immigrant and refugee communities, legal community, or disability justice community.
• Flexibility to accommodate client needs, including occasional schedule adjustments.
• Proficiency with standard office equipment, computer applications, and in-person and telephone interpretation services.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in social security law is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed legal services to clients in SSI/SSDI matters.
• Ensure programs meet IRCO’s Program Management Standards and use associated tools when possible.
• Engage in continuous learning for program improvement.
• Screen potential clients for eligibility and conduct client intakes, interviews, and pre-hearing conferences.
• Prepare and submit initial applications, disability reports, and appeals at the initial and reconsideration levels.
• Review medical records and collaborate with medical providers to obtain supporting documentation for disability claims.
• Communicate and coordinate with clients, third parties, IRCO staff, and external agency partners to advance client cases.
• Analyze clients’ financial circumstances and prepare for Pre-Effectuation Review Conferences (PERCs).
• Draft pre-hearing briefs and represent clients at administrative hearings.
• Conduct legal research and handle pre- and post-hearing motions as needed.
• Review favorable decisions for accuracy of benefits and attorney fees and pursue corrections when necessary.
• Evaluate hearing denials for appealability and refer meritorious cases for further representation.
• Review overpayment determinations and assist clients with appeals.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date client records and communications in the case management system, including quarterly reviews for relevant changes in medical, employment, financial, or personal circumstances.
• Provide staff and community education on SSI/SSDI issues affecting refugees and immigrants as needed.
• Participate in collaborative and partnership meetings as requested by relevant managers or IRCO leadership.
• Supervise and support volunteers and interns.
• Perform other projects and duties as assigned.
• Participate in recommended professional development and assigned or required training activities.

Benefits

• Three to six weeks of paid time off per year.
• 401(k) match of over 100% on the first 5%, with immediate vesting.
• 3% match for student loans or college savings.
• 12 paid holidays and one floating holiday.
• Medical and dental insurance options with 85% coverage for employees and families, with no deductibles.
• Employer-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending account.
• Flexible working arrangements and schedules.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree