Illinois Legal Aid Online ยท 20 hours ago
Paralegal - Public Benefits - Legal Aid Chicago
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
New Grad, Entry, Mid Level
$46K/yr - $51K/yr
0+ years expIllinois Legal Aid Online has been providing free civil legal assistance to individuals living in poverty in Chicago for over 50 years. They are seeking a full-time paralegal to assist clients with applications for public benefits and provide legal support within their Public Benefits Practice Group.
Law EnforcementLegalNon Profit
Responsibilities
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 such activities as: interview clients and conduct initial fact gathering; conduct factual and legal research; devise, update, and implement case strategies; prepare a case for hearing; draft legal documents; negotiate; present evidence; interrogate witnesses; conduct oral advocacy in administrative proceedings; and properly maintain 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, but not limited to 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, and
Other duties as determined by the Supervising Attorney and Director
Qualification
Required
Strong oral and written communication skills
Highly developed organizational skills
Great client counseling skills
Genuine desire to interact with clients
Knowledge of and experience with public benefits issues
Collegial and demonstrate a commitment to and experience with client communities and/or people living in poverty
Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations with clients, co-workers and the community served
Ability to work well under pressure, independently and as part of a team
Preferred
Fluency in Spanish is a plus
Benefits
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
Company
Illinois Legal Aid Online
Illinois Legal Aid Online is a nonprofit organization that provides legal assistance and advice for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Amy Clark
Community Engagement Director
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