Paralegal - Public - Legal Aid Chicago

Overview

Paralegal - Public Benefits

Legal Aid Chicago provides free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. Our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. We are dedicated to ensuring that poverty is not an impediment to justice and that all individuals are entitled to quality civil legal representation regardless of income.

The office is located in downtown Chicago and is ADA accessible with convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. 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.

Responsibilities Without Limitation

• Develop, maintain, and grow knowledge of law and procedures related to Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits and benefits administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF)
• Conduct intake and comprehensive legal screening for potential new clients
• Represent clients by undertaking activities such as interviewing clients and conducting initial fact gathering; conducting factual and legal research; devising, updating, and implementing case strategies; preparing a case for hearing; drafting legal documents; negotiating; presenting evidence; interrogating witnesses; conducting oral advocacy in administrative proceedings; and maintaining an ongoing client relationship
• Assist clients to apply for benefits from the IDHS and SSA including completing and submitting application forms and obtaining, preparing, and submitting other documents necessary to establish eligibility
• Provide administrative and litigation support to attorneys including drafting letters, pleadings, discovery, records requests; creating outreach materials; and maintaining paper files and intake materials
• Provide advice and referrals to individuals
• Participate in maintaining good community relations by acting as a liaison between community groups and the Legal Aid Chicago staff; tasks may include regular application assistance activities at off-site locations; outreach and community education to client groups and social service agency personnel; advocacy training in legal rights
• 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
• Partner and collaborate with other Legal Aid Chicago staff, as well as staff from partner agencies
• Maintain proficiency with equipment and technology necessary to perform the duties of the position
• Other duties as determined by the Supervising Attorney and Director

• 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
• Commitment to and experience with our client communities and/or people living in poverty; applicants are encouraged to share this experience in their cover letter
• Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations with clients, co-workers and the community we serve
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus
• Ability to work well under pressure, independently and as part of a team

Pay scale and benefits

This position is part of the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. The Collective Bargaining Agreement sets employment terms and compensation is determined by the CBA salary scale, based on paid experience.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $45,760-$50,738, which reflects 0-10 years of paid, credited experience.

• Bilingual Paralegals are eligible for an additional stipend
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment
• Time Off: 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 reimbursement
• Legal Aid Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program

Full-time