Legal Assistant

BAKER PLACES•San Francisco, CA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

PRC Baker Places is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the San Francisco community through legal advocacy, workforce development, financial services, and residential treatment programs. We support formerly homeless adults living with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders by providing a continuum of integrated direct care services. All of our programs are grounded in a social rehabilitation philosophy that integrates harm reduction and daily living skills within a safe and supportive environment. Mission Statement: Our mission is to help people affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use, or mental health issues better realize opportunities by providing integrated legal, social and health services that address the broad range of social risk factors that impact wellness and limit potential. Values that Guide Us: Accountability, Honesty, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, Respect If you’re passionate about making a real impact in your community, working in a dynamic, inclusive environment, and helping people rebuild their lives, PRC Baker Places is the place for you. Job Title: Legal Assistant - (Full Time, Non-Exempt) Position Overview The EAHP Legal Assistant coordinates EAHP and SSA client consultations and intakes, manages administrative tasks for the Legal Advocacy Program, and provides assistance to attorneys and advocates who represent low-income clients to achieve income and overcome barriers to accessing healthcare (SSI, SSDI, CAPI, Covered CA, Medi-Cal, Medicare, ADAP, etc.). This role performs preliminary eligibility screening, supports case preparation, and maintains accurate and confidential program records. Client populations served include LGBTQIA+, homeless and/or at risk of homelessness, non-English speaking, and other at-risk communities.

Requirements

B.A. and/or equivalent experience in legal assistance, administrative support, or a related field.
Prior experience in legal services, social services, or a high-volume client-support setting preferred.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other internet-based applications.
Ability to implement standard office procedures and practices, including familiarity with general office equipment
Familiarity with or ability to learn case-management databases and electronic record systems.
High level of initiative, attention to details, and professionalism.
Strong ability to organize and manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and documents.
Ability to track, prioritize, and follow through on assignments with minimal supervision.
Ability to regularly lift 10-20 pounds.
Ability to quickly locate and provide important service referrals to community and potential client inquiries
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with attorneys and service providers.
Ability to be sensitive to and work well with low-income individuals, people with psychiatric disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS, people of color, active drug users, people with a history of homelessness or incarceration, and people in the LGBTQ community essential.
Demonstrated cultural humility and comfort working with diverse and marginalized populations.
Exhibit exemplary customer service, compassion, and care in the execution of all duties and interactions.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual and bicultural (Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Russian or Arabic) highly desirable.
Familiarity with mental health issues, HIV/AIDS, and state and federal laws regarding disability benefits preferred.
Knowledge of Harm Reduction theory and practice as applied to legal services, or willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

Assists the Legal Advocacy Program staff in helping clients to apply for and pursue public benefits and health insurance while navigating other benefits-related issues.
Works with SSA representatives to obtain and provide updates and track claims through the administrative process.
Assists with physical and electronic filing of appropriate paperwork for client claims.
Works independently in coordinating and following up with providers/clinical staff to obtain medical records and other documents in support of client claims.
Conducts preliminary screening of client program eligibility and claim status, and schedules consultations and intakes with Advocates as appropriate.
Screens basic questions and case issues, identifies when matters require referral or advocate-level guidance, and responds within departmental service timeframes.
Prioritizes tasks, tracks multiple deadlines, and communicates status updates to program staff.
Evaluate client inquiries for EAHP eligibility, connect eligible clients with EAHP staff for follow-up, and direct ineligible clients to relevant community resources
Maintains client confidentiality and privacy in accordance with agency, state and federal policies/regulations.
Promote agency mission, purpose, and values in relationships with internal and external partners.
Assists program staff with case preparation for appeals before Administrative Law Judges or other tribunals, including ordering and following up on relevant evidence, filing documents, and documenting work in the database.
Assists the program staff in maintaining confidential client files.
Retrieves and processes program mail; reviews, summarizes, properly files and reports receipt to appropriate program staff.
Maintains online database with accurate and updated case management and billing information.
Calendars deadlines and assists program staff in meeting them.
Manages casefile inventory and closes client casefiles as appropriate.
Assists with community training events including sending out invitations, registration, materials preparation, room set-up/clean-up, etc.
Attends all meetings, trainings, collaborative efforts, and other project and/or agency related functions as required.
Performs full range of administrative tasks including intake screening, scheduling, filing, faxing, copying, and processing mail in support of daily program operations.
Additional administrative tasks and projects as assigned.