Legal Advocate

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid•Mankato, 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 role may be based in Northwest or North Central Minnesota, preferably north of Brainerd, and operates in a hybrid environment. It requires extensive travel throughout Minnesota, frequent in-person interviews, and work on a secure laptop issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The position 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 assess compliance with SSA policies and identify possible exploitation, financial abuse, misuse, mismanagement, or fraud involving beneficiaries’ Social Security income. The Legal Advocate conducts investigations and reviews, analyzes financial documents, interviews beneficiaries and payees, prepares reports, and develops corrective action plans. The role also provides referrals, education, advocacy, and resources to payees and people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and includes community outreach on beneficiary rights, representative payee duties, and voting rights for people with disabilities. The position works closely with MDLC staff and attorneys and applies Legal Aid’s Racial Justice Values Statement. Reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and current liability insurance are required. Pre-approved travel and mileage costs are reimbursed. MMLA describes a flexible approach to work that blends remote work with in-office collaboration, provides on-the-job training and mentorship, and offers opportunities for growth. The office closes at noon on Fridays, with employees receiving a half-day of paid flex time. The annual salary range is $54,803 to $65,576, depending on experience, plus benefits. Salary placement is based on relevant directly related experience and the organization’s salary matrix. For client-facing roles, certified fluency in a relevant non-English language or ASL may count as one additional year of experience, subject to external assessment.

Requirements

Obtain a Level V moderate-risk public trust government clearance from the United States Government Office of Personnel Management; employment is also contingent on passing an extensive SSA background check.
At least two years of previous investigation, program audit, disability service program supervision, or case management experience, 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, such as SSDI and SSI, and of housing, employment, or wage laws; or ability to learn applicable program requirements.
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 manage large amounts of records and meet case-processing deadlines.
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 documents, witnesses, and other sources.
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 with Word, Outlook, and Teams is also specified.
Ability to travel extensively throughout Minnesota weekly, including possible overnight trips.
Commitment to the mission of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and MDLC, and demonstrated cultural humility and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and racial justice.
Self-motivation, adaptability, and sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

Second-language ability, particularly Spanish, ASL, or Somali.
Diverse economic, social, or cultural experiences.
Experience conducting investigations, audits, compliance reviews, case management, financial reviews, 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.
Certified fluency in a relevant non-English language or ASL at Intermediate High or above, with sufficient oral and written skills to perform job duties without an interpreter; for client-facing roles, this may count as one additional year of experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct site reviews and investigations requested by the SSA and directed by MDLC, following SSA case processing guidelines.
Review and analyze financial documents; interview beneficiaries and representative payees; and confidentially manage protected data.
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 the 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 SSA beneficiary rights and representative payee responsibilities.
Conduct voting rights outreach and education for people with disabilities while traveling for representative payee reviews.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.