Paralegal - Public Benefits

Legal Aid Chicago • Chicago, IL

3d • $46,675 - $51,428 • Hybrid

About The Position

For over 50 years, Legal Aid Chicago has provided free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. Each year 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.

The Public Benefits Practice Group (PBPG) 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 seeks a full-time paralegal within our Public Benefits Practice Group. The paralegal will focus on assisting individuals obtain benefits from the Social Security Administration and Illinois Department of Human Services. The paralegal will report to a Supervisory Attorney.

Requirements

• Strong oral and written communication skills, highly developed organizational skills, 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, independently and as part of a team

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and grow knowledge of law and procedures related to the benefits administered by the Social Security Administration such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Retirement and Disability Insurance and Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) such as Medicaid, and Aid for the Aged, Blind, Disabled (AABD) Cash
• Conduct intake and gather facts needed for comprehensive legal assessment for potential clients who will primarily be nursing home residents who need income to transition out of nursing homes
• Apply proper eligibility standards, both financial and subject matters, in accepting clients for service
• Assist clients to apply for benefits from SSA and IDHS including completing and submitting application forms and obtaining, preparing, and submitting other documents such as medical records necessary to establish eligibility
• Undertake activities needed to help clients obtain, maintain, and maximize benefits to which they are entitled, including but not limited to: conducting factual and legal research; devising, updating, and implementing case strategies; preparing and presenting cases for case acceptance decisions; preparing cases for hearings; drafting legal documents; negotiating; presenting evidence; conducting oral advocacy in administrative proceedings; and properly maintaining an ongoing client relationship
• Provide administrative and litigation support to attorneys including, but not limited to drafting letters, pleadings, discovery, records requests; and maintaining paper files and intake materials
• Maintain knowledge of the case acceptance criteria of the Public Benefits Practice Group and other Legal Aid Chicago Practice Groups to facilitate appropriate internal referrals
• Maintain case files and accurate case notes and timekeeping in electronic case management system
• Track data related to grants and assist with grant reporting
• Maintain case files and accurate timekeeping in electronic case management system
• Maintain proficiency with all equipment, computer hardware and software necessary to perform the duties of the position
• 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

What This Job Offers

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