Paralegal - Public Benefits (Outreach)

Legal Aid Chicago • Chicago, IL

8d • 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 offers a hybrid work environment. Our office is 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.
• Great client counseling skills.
• Genuine desire to interact with clients.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Residency in the Chicago metropolitan area of Illinois or Northwest Indiana.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant experience, particularly with communities served by Legal Aid Chicago or perspectives that help understand and serve clients better.
• Knowledge of and experience with public benefits issues.
• Collegiality and demonstrated commitment to and experience with client communities and/or people living in poverty.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations with clients, co-workers and the community.
• Fluency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Work under the direct supervision of an attorney.
• 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 ethical standards.
• 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.
• Perform other duties as determined by the Supervising Attorneys and Director.

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

What This Job Offers

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