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 through 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 role combines direct legal representation and advice with client eligibility screening, legal education, outreach, collaboration across practice areas, and support for program compliance and evaluation. The attorney also supervises assigned support staff and handles other duties consistent with organizational needs and professional responsibilities.

Requirements

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.
Commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
Dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.
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.

Nice To Haves

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

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 necessary 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 applicable federal and Florida public benefits laws, regulations, agency policies, and procedures; monitor legal and policy changes and incorporate developments into casework and unit practices.
Develop and deliver legal education programs addressing CLS clients’ needs and participate in continuing legal education, specialized training, and knowledge-sharing.
Provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed, accessible, and nonjudgmental representation, with an understanding of challenges faced by clients experiencing poverty, homelessness, disabilities, or barriers to essential services.
Identify and address barriers to accessing or maintaining benefits; collaborate with clients, authorized representatives, healthcare providers, case managers, and community organizations to obtain evidence and support advocacy while protecting confidentiality.
Maintain accurate and timely case records in LegalServer or its successor, documenting eligibility, legal services, case activities, outcomes, and other information required by CLS policies and funding sources.
Accurately record and allocate time to appropriate 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 compliance with grant deliverables and reporting requirements; promptly communicate potential compliance concerns.
Participate in case reviews, file audits, and quality assurance activities to promote effective representation, accurate reporting, and accountability.
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 to address overlapping legal needs, identify systemic barriers, and support 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 professional 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.