Legal Advocate

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid•Duluth, MN

3d•$54,803 - $65,576•Hybrid

About The Position

The Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC), a division of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, is hiring a full-time Legal Advocate to conduct compliance reviews as part of its Representative Payee Review Team. The position may be based in Northwest or North Central Minnesota, preferably north of Brainerd, and operates in a remote or hybrid environment with travel throughout Minnesota. The role requires extensive weekly travel and frequent in-person interviews with representative payees and Social Security beneficiaries. All work must be performed on a secure laptop issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Pre-approved travel and mileage expenses are reimbursed. Employment is contingent on passing an extensive SSA background check and obtaining a Level V moderate-risk public trust government clearance. The Representative Payee Review Team conducts onsite reviews of representative payees’ activities and financial records to monitor compliance with SSA policies and identify possible exploitation or financial abuse. The Legal Advocate works with MDLC staff and attorneys to investigate representative payees, assess financial management practices, identify and help correct misuse, mismanagement, or fraud involving beneficiary income, and report findings that can improve program practices. The role also provides education, advocacy, resources, and referrals to payees and vulnerable people from diverse cultural backgrounds. The position includes work-life flexibility, including a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. The office closes at noon on Fridays, with employees receiving a half-day of paid flex time. Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid provides on-the-job training and mentorship, with opportunities for organizational growth. Applicants are asked to describe in their cover letter how their background can support the organization’s equal-justice mission. The organization emphasizes diversity, inclusion, accessibility, racial justice, and a respectful, supportive workplace.

Requirements

Be able 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 previous investigation, program audit, disability-service program supervision, or case-management experience demonstrating attention to detail, confidentiality, and contemporaneous recordkeeping.
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, such as SSDI and SSI, or the ability to learn applicable program requirements; knowledge of housing, employment, or wage laws is also listed.
Functional knowledge of basic accounting principles and terminology, financial recordkeeping, and document review practices.
Knowledge of confidentiality requirements and handling sensitive or protected information.
Knowledge of disability rights, equal access, and person-centered services.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including phone, in-person, Teams, email, letters, reporting, and SSA database documentation.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain, manage, and review large volumes of records and information.
Ability to meet case-processing deadlines, complete and file paperwork, maintain records, and submit records to the SSA database.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, cultural competency, and cultural humility 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; proficiency in Word, Outlook, and Teams is also specified.
Ability to travel extensively throughout Minnesota, typically weekly, including possible overnight trips, for reviews, investigations, and outreach.
Commitment to the mission of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and MDLC and to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and racial justice.
Self-motivation, adaptability, and sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

Second-language ability, particularly Spanish, American Sign Language, or Somali.
Diverse economic, social, or cultural experiences.
Experience conducting compliance reviews, investigations, audits, financial reviews, case management, or similar work requiring accurate documentation and attention to detail.
Understanding of, connection to, or experience with disability communities through professional, volunteer, educational, caregiving, family, or lived experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct site reviews and investigations requested by the Social Security Administration and directed by MDLC, following SSA case-processing guidelines.
Review and analyze financial documents; interview beneficiaries and representative payees; and manage protected data confidentially.
Develop practical, respectful corrective action plans to help representative payees meet SSA requirements and improve financial management practices.
Provide referrals to advocacy agencies, legal services, and other resources for SSA beneficiaries and others.
Prepare comprehensive, accurate 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 the rights of SSA beneficiaries and representative payees’ duties.
Conduct voting-rights outreach and education for people with disabilities while traveling for representative payee reviews.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.