Disability Legal Services Attorney

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization • Portland, OR

7d • 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, from initial applications through appeals and administrative hearings. The attorney provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed legal services as part of IRCO’s multidisciplinary Legal Services team, which includes Immigration Law, Disability Law, and Family Law units. The position works with attorneys and paralegals across these disciplines and helps ensure that program services meet IRCO’s Program Management Standards.

The role includes client screening and intake; preparing applications, disability reports, and appeals; reviewing medical records and coordinating with medical providers; advising and communicating with clients and partner organizations; preparing cases for hearings and financial reviews; conducting legal research; and reviewing decisions and overpayment determinations. The attorney also maintains current case records, provides community and staff education when needed, participates in meetings, and supports volunteers and interns. The position is hybrid in Portland, Oregon, and is full-time with benefits.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
• 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, use associated tools when possible, and 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 SSI/SSDI 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 case reviews for relevant changes in clients’ circumstances.
• Provide staff and community education on SSI/SSDI issues affecting refugees and immigrants as needed.
• Participate in collaborative and partnership meetings when requested by program or organizational leadership.
• Supervise and support volunteers and interns.
• Perform other projects and duties as assigned.
• Engage in recommended professional development and assigned or required training activities.

Benefits

• Full benefits package, including medical and dental insurance options with 85% coverage for employees and families and no deductibles.
• 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.
• 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