Public Benefits Staff Attorney

Community Legal Services•Orlando, FL

About The Position

The Public Benefits Staff Attorney provides legal services to eligible individuals and families seeking to obtain, maintain, or restore essential benefits, including Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP. The attorney works with CLS teams and community partners to address barriers to economic stability, healthcare, and housing. The role requires client-centered, trauma-informed advocacy, responsible case management, professional development, and compliance with CLS policies, grant requirements, ABA civil legal aid standards, and Florida Bar rules. The attorney provides advice, counsel, and representation in public benefits matters; handles administrative and court proceedings; maintains knowledge of applicable laws and policies; and contributes to legal education, outreach, and collaborative advocacy. The position also includes case documentation and grant reporting, quality assurance participation, and supervision of assigned paralegals, legal assistants, and support staff.

Requirements

Commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS and dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Membership in good standing with The Florida Bar.
Must be bondable.
Ability to maintain professional competence and satisfy applicable continuing legal education requirements.
Experience with public interest law, legal aid, administrative law, disability rights, healthcare access, or public benefits advocacy.
Knowledge of, or willingness and demonstrated ability to develop proficiency in, federal and Florida public benefits programs, including SSA, Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and related administrative procedures.
Ability to conduct legal research, interpret complex statutes and regulations, and apply administrative policies to individual client circumstances.
Strong legal analysis, writing, negotiation, advocacy, and communication skills, including the ability to explain complex matters clearly to clients with varying levels of legal knowledge.
Ability to manage multiple cases, prioritize work, maintain accurate records, and meet case, reporting, and organizational deadlines.
Valid Florida driver’s license, use of own automobile, and proof of insurance.
Ability to travel within CLS’s 12-county service area and occasionally beyond it for hearings, outreach, meetings, or training.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and work on a computer.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

Nice To Haves

Experience representing clients in administrative hearings, appeals, or other legal proceedings.
Experience with grant-funded programs, case management systems, and documentation requirements.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice, counsel, and representation concerning SSDI, SSI, Social Security retirement and survivor benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF/TCA, and other public benefits within CLS advocacy priorities.
Evaluate client eligibility for legal services and identify legal issues affecting access to or continuation of public benefits.
Represent clients in administrative proceedings, including applications, reconsiderations, fair hearings, appeals, overpayments, and waiver proceedings; prepare pleadings, briefs, and supporting documents.
Represent clients in state and federal court proceedings, including judicial review of administrative decisions, and pursue expedited relief or benefit preservation when appropriate.
Maintain current knowledge of federal and Florida public benefits laws, regulations, agency policies, and procedures; monitor changes and incorporate developments into casework and unit practices.
Develop and deliver legal education programs and participate in continuing legal education, specialized training, and knowledge-sharing.
Provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed, accessible, and nonjudgmental representation, with an understanding of the challenges faced by CLS clients.
Work with clients, authorized representatives, healthcare providers, case managers, and community organizations to address access barriers and obtain evidence, while protecting confidentiality.
Maintain accurate and timely case records in LegalServer or its successor, documenting eligibility, services, activities, outcomes, and information required by CLS policies and funding sources.
Accurately record and allocate time to funding sources in accordance with grant requirements and CLS procedures.
Assist the Public Benefits Managing Attorney and administrative staff with grant reporting, performance measurement, program evaluation, and grant compliance; promptly communicate potential compliance concerns.
Participate in case reviews, file audits, and quality assurance activities.
Participate in community outreach, legal education, and initiatives that increase awareness of public benefits rights and CLS services.
Develop collaborative relationships with community organizations to improve access to benefits.
Collaborate with other CLS practice areas on overlapping legal needs, systemic barriers, systemic advocacy, strategic litigation, and policy initiatives consistent with CLS priorities.
Collaborate with the Public Benefits Managing Attorney and unit staff through case consultations, meetings, and professional development; exercise independent judgment and seek guidance on complex or unfamiliar matters.
Supervise assigned paralegals, legal assistants, and other support staff by providing legal guidance, training, oversight, and ongoing support.
Maintain effective case management, client communication, responsiveness, and compliance with applicable deadlines.
Perform other duties as assigned, consistent with organizational needs and professional responsibilities.

Benefits

15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off.
100% employer-paid health, dental, life, and disability insurance, plus vision coverage at minimal employee cost.
100% 403B match after 1 year of employment (5%).
CLS pays Bar Dues and CLE Credits.
Student loan reimbursement for Attorneys.
Tuition Reimbursement.
Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
Fantastic work-life balance.
Various opportunities for upward mobility into leadership/more advanced roles.
Pet Insurance.
Wellness Committee dedicated to employee morale, with events such as company-wide retreats, activities, and challenges.