Veterans Staff Attorney & Benefits Specialist

Friendship Place•Washington, DC

2d•$112,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Veteran Staff Attorney & Benefits Specialist provides supportive services and legal assistance to low-income Veteran households, including individuals and families, to help them obtain stable housing and increase income. The role assists participants in accessing and appealing benefits such as VA pension, service-connected disability, SSI/SSDI, SOAR, TANF, and food stamps; coordinates medical services related to benefit access; and provides legal services and support to participants in the Veterans First program. The position serves communities in the District of Columbia and specified counties in Virginia and Maryland. This is a hybrid role. Work-from-home arrangements may be approved based on job duties and organizational needs, but are not guaranteed and may be changed or discontinued. At least 50% of the work is in an office setting, including prolonged sitting and computer work; up to 50% is in the field with case managers, participants, community events, and Continuum of Care meetings. Hours are flexible between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM, and some evening, holiday, and weekend work may be required. The role requires travel and reliable personal transportation.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing with a state bar association.
1–5 years of legal experience.
Valid driver's license, current auto insurance, and ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Must have or be able to obtain First Aid/CPR/AED certification that includes a hands-on skills testing module; training will be provided.
Excellent time management, attention to detail, organization, confidentiality, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, specifically Word and Excel, and ability to learn database programs.
Ability and willingness to work in a diverse and challenging environment and maintain healthy, professional boundaries.
Ability to demonstrate active listening and emotional awareness and adapt communication style to different people and situations.
Commitment to Friendship Place's mission, vision, and core values.
Ability to work compassionately and in a trauma-informed manner with people who may be experiencing mental health or substance use challenges, including in emotionally sensitive situations.
Successful completion of required background investigations and screenings, which may include criminal history, fingerprint-based, protective services registry, and program-specific checks, as well as drug and alcohol screenings.
Provide valid government-issued identification, references, and employment verification, and maintain required clearances throughout employment.
Reliable access to personal transportation; vehicle must meet legal requirements, including valid registration and current auto insurance.
Provide current copies of a valid driver's license and proof of insurance, maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record, and report changes to license status or insurance coverage with updated documentation.

Nice To Haves

VA Accreditation from the Office of General Counsel is strongly preferred. Candidates not currently accredited may be considered if eligible and able to apply upon hire and obtain accreditation within 60–120 days.
Experience working with Veterans and the legal and benefits issues they face.

Responsibilities

Assist participants in applying for identified and eligible benefits.
Coordinate with medical services as they relate to obtaining benefits.
Serve as a liaison between participants and government offices and local VA, Social Security Administration, and Medicaid offices.
Develop partnerships with the Veterans Benefits Administration and DC Metro benefit offices in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
Provide direct services to low-income Veteran households to help them obtain income, including VA service-connected disability income, SSI/SSDI, retirement, and unemployment benefits.
Participate in the SOAR leadership team in the District of Columbia.
Act as the Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office liaison and primary contact for filing claims.
Maintain participant electronic records in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and supervision, and seek professional development opportunities.
Communicate professionally and clearly in written and verbal interactions to support service delivery and collaboration.
Maintain regular contact with case managers and provide relevant parties with necessary updates.
Collect statistics and maintain tracking records in Excel.
Respond to participants' needs and requests with empathy and flexibility.
Maintain confidentiality, manage time effectively, stay organized and detail-oriented, and work independently with minimal supervision.
Complete required training and maintain required background clearances.
Attend professional trainings and conferences as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.