Temporary Paralegal - Public Benefits

Legal Aid Chicago • Chicago, IL

12h • $46,675 - $51,428 • Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Aid Chicago has been providing 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 such as domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. Legal Aid Chicago was founded on the principle that all individuals are entitled to quality civil legal representation, regardless of their income, and we strive to ensure that poverty is not an impediment to justice. This role operates within a hybrid work environment, with the office located in downtown Chicago. The position requires travel to outreach activities 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 the Social Security Administration (including SSI and Social Security Disability benefits). PBPG also serves military veterans and their families, focusing on obtaining and preserving benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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 Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) with a particular focus on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, including new and upcoming changes to those programs.
• Conduct intake and gather facts needed for comprehensive legal assessment for potential clients.
• Apply proper eligibility standards, both financial and subject matters, in accepting clients for service.
• Obtain, prepare, and submit other documents necessary to establish eligibility.
• Prepare cases for Pro Bono involvement.
• Coordinate with Pro Bono volunteers to assign tasks, document advocacy, answer questions, and obtain answers from supervising attorneys.
• Directly assist clients with IDHS matters including but not limited to: completing and submitting applications and other forms, 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; reviewing and tracking case trends.
• 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

• 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 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

What This Job Offers

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