Paralegal - Medical-Legal Partnerships
About The Position
Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time Paralegal to join our Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLP) Group. This group brings together legal, medical, and public health professionals to address the social determinants of health and interrupt cycles of inequity for vulnerable populations. The MLP group works directly with hospitals and health care providers to address social determinants that negatively impact client-patients’ health and well-being. Current partnerships include Health Forward/Salud Adelante with the Cook County Health and Hospitals System and Recovery Legal Care with the University of Chicago Hospital. The MLP group handles a broad range of legal issues, with a primary emphasis on public benefits and related stability concerns, including advocacy for SNAP, TANF, AABD Cash, Medicaid, and other Illinois Department of Human Services programs, SSI and disability benefits advocacy with the Social Security Administration (including appeals), and Crime Victims Compensation matters. The role also involves collaboration with other Legal Aid Chicago practice groups to address related housing, employment, personal safety, immigration, criminal records, and consumer/financial legal issues.
Requirements
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Demonstrated commitment to working with people experiencing poverty, survivors of trauma, and individuals with physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities
- Familiarity with trauma-informed practices and strategies for managing vicarious trauma
Nice To Haves
- Undergraduate degree
- Familiarity with public benefits eligibility criteria
- Spanish proficiency
Responsibilities
- Interview and screen referred applicants by phone or on-site in healthcare settings on a wide range of legal issues, assessing eligibility and legal needs, and connecting clients to appropriate services or referrals
- Under attorney supervision, maintain an individual caseload
- Attend weekly team meetings, and other meetings as scheduled
- Participate in training to build and maintain knowledge in relevant areas of law, with a focus on public benefits
- Develop an understanding of health harming legal needs affecting our patient/client populations and the organizations that can help meet the needs we do not directly handle
- Work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago staff to provide comprehensive legal services
- Collaborate and communicate with medical partners to support the MLP service model
- Maintain accurate case files and timekeeping in electronic case management system
- Uphold the same ethical standards of conduct required of attorneys
- Provide litigation support for attorneys and assist with administrative tasks as needed
- Track data and contribute to grant reporting and program administration
- Engage in community outreach, legal education, and training for healthcare partners and community members
- Maintain proficiency with required technology, including computer systems and case management tools
- Perform other duties as assigned by supervisory attorneys and leadership
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment
- 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment
- 19 paid holidays, including four (4) floating holidays
- Twelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the salary after six months of employment
- 403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution after one year of employment
- $50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no cost
- Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost
- Monthly internet reimbursement
- Bilingual Paralegals are eligible for an additional stipend
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
