Paralegal - Public Benefits (Outreach)

Legal Aid Chicago • Chicago, IL

8d • $46,675 - $51,428 • Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Aid Chicago seeks a Public Benefits Outreach Paralegal in the Public Benefits Practice Group to work with individuals applying for public benefits including those administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Social Security Administration. The Public Benefits Practice Group assists with applications and challenges wrongful denials, terminations, calculations, overpayments, and sanctions of benefits from the Department of Human Services including SNAP, TANF, MBD Cash, and Medicaid and from the Social Security Administration including SSI and Social Security Disability benefits. PBPG also serves military veterans and their families with special emphasis on obtaining and preserving benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Legal Aid Chicago has provided free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago for over 50 years. Our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. Legal Aid Chicago was founded on the philosophy that all individuals are entitled to quality civil legal representation, regardless of their income. We work to ensure that poverty is not an impediment to justice. Legal Aid Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. Our office, located in downtown Chicago at 200 N. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible and has convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. This position requires residency in the Chicago metropolitan area of Illinois or Northwest Indiana. This position will require travel to regularly scheduled outreach activities, including at City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Centers at least three days per week.

Requirements

• Strong oral and written communication skills, highly developed organizational skills, and great client counseling skills and genuine desire to interact with clients.
• Knowledge of and experience with public benefits issues is valued and should be highlighted in the cover letter and resume.
• The successful applicant will be collegial and demonstrate a commitment to and experience with our client communities and/or people living in poverty, and applicants are encouraged to share that experience in their cover letter.
• The applicant's personal background, experience, or professional background should reflect an ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations with clients, co-workers and the community we serve.
• Applicants must have the ability to work well under pressure.
• Applicants must have the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Handle all functions related to casework, from initial intake through representation of clients at administrative hearings.
• Interview clients and gather facts, consult with supervising attorney to determine appropriate actions, uphold client confidentiality, avoid conflicts of interest, and adhere to the same ethical standards required of attorneys.
• Advise and refer individuals not accepted as clients to appropriate resources or services.
• Provide client representation, including factual and legal research, strategy development, hearing preparation, legal drafting, negotiation, presenting evidence, examining witnesses, conducting oral advocacy, and maintaining ongoing communication and support.
• Liaise with community partners that host outreach activities.
• Provide outreach and community education to individuals and social service agency personnel.
• Attend trainings and maintain knowledge of law and procedures related to benefits administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services and Social Security Administration.
• Track and report grant-related data and prepare reports and statistics related to cases and other projects.
• Maintain case files and accurate timekeeping in electronic case management system.
• Support attorneys in all stages of litigation, including administrative tasks.
• Maintain proficiency with required equipment, computer hardware, and software.
• Other duties as determined by the Supervising Attorneys and Director.

Benefits

• Bilingual Paralegals are eligible for an additional stipend.
• 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 stipend.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed