Legal Advocate

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid•Duluth, MN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC), a division of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, seeks a full-time Legal Advocate to conduct compliance reviews and investigations as part of its Representative Payee Review Team. The role helps protect Social Security beneficiaries by reviewing representative payees’ financial records and practices for compliance with Social Security Administration (SSA) policies and legal standards, and identifying and addressing misuse, mismanagement, exploitation, or fraud involving beneficiary income. The position works closely with MDLC staff and attorneys and provides education, advocacy, referrals, and resources to representative payees and beneficiaries, including people from diverse cultural backgrounds. The position is based in Northern Minnesota, preferably north of Brainerd, and may be performed remotely or in a hybrid arrangement. It requires frequent in-person interviews and extensive weekly travel throughout Minnesota, potentially including overnight trips. The employee must use a secure laptop issued by the SSA and have a dependable automobile, valid driver’s license, and current liability insurance. Travel and mileage expenses are reimbursed when pre-approved. Employment is contingent on passing an extensive SSA background check and obtaining a Level V moderate-risk public trust government clearance. The role offers on-the-job training and mentorship, remote work combined with in-office collaboration, and paid flex time on Fridays when the office closes at noon. Compensation is $54,803–$65,576 per year, depending on experience, plus benefits. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter by October 30, 2026.

Requirements

Ability to obtain a Level V moderate-risk public trust government clearance through the United States Government Office of Personnel Management.
At least two years of experience in investigations, program audits, disability-service program supervision, or case management, demonstrating attention to detail, confidentiality, and contemporaneous record-keeping.
High school diploma or GED plus three years of related experience and/or training; an associate degree in a related subject may substitute for two years of experience.
Knowledge of federal and state disability benefits and service programs, or ability to learn applicable program requirements; relevant areas include SSDI, SSI, housing, employment, and wage laws.
Functional knowledge of basic accounting principles and terminology, financial recordkeeping, and document review practices.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including communicating by phone, Teams, and in person and preparing email, letters, reports, and SSA database entries.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain and manage large volumes of records and sensitive information.
Ability to meet case-processing deadlines, complete and file paperwork, maintain records, and submit records into the SSA database.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and cultural competency when working with people from diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities.
Experience interviewing individuals with disabilities, including cognitive or mental health disabilities, and gathering information from multiple sources, including documents and witnesses.
Experience working with individuals with disabilities, including cognitive, developmental, and/or mental health disabilities.
Reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and current liability insurance.
Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Office, including Excel; the role also uses Word, Outlook, and Teams.
Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout Minnesota weekly, possibly including overnight trips.
Commitment to Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and MDLC’s mission, cultural humility, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and racial justice.
Self-motivation, adaptability, and sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

Ability to speak a second language, particularly Spanish, American Sign Language, or Somali.
Diverse economic, social, or cultural experiences.
Experience conducting investigations, audits, compliance reviews, case management, financial reviews, or similar work requiring careful documentation.
Understanding of, connection to, or experience with disability communities through professional, volunteer, educational, caregiving, family, or lived experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct SSA-requested site reviews and investigations as directed by MDLC, following SSA case-processing guidelines.
Review and analyze financial documents, interview beneficiaries and representative payees, and securely manage protected information.
Develop practical, respectful corrective action plans to help representative payees meet SSA requirements and improve financial management practices.
Refer beneficiaries and others to alternative advocacy agencies, legal services, and other resources.
Prepare accurate, comprehensive reports using approved SSA forms, documenting deficiencies, notifications, issues, and referrals, and submit them to SSA for final review in a timely manner.
Apply Legal Aid’s Racial Justice Values Statement in work-related activities and interactions.
Prepare written materials and conduct outreach, education, and training for consumers, community groups, advocates, and others—particularly people from traditionally underserved communities—on beneficiary rights and representative payee duties.
Conduct voting-rights outreach and education for people with disabilities while traveling for representative payee reviews.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.