Paralegal - Public - Legal Aid Chicago

Legal Aid Chicago
120 South LaSalle Street
Suite 900
Chicago , IL 60603
United States

For over 50 years, Legal Aid Chicago has provided free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. Each year our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. Legal Aid Chicago was founded on the philosophy that all individuals are entitled to quality civil legal representation, regardless of their income.

We work to ensure that poverty is not an impediment to justice.

Legal Aid Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. Our office, located in downtown Chicago at 120 S. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible and has 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.

The Public Benefits Practice Group (PBPG) assists with applications and challenges wrongful denials, terminations, calculations, over payments, and sanctions of benefits from the Department of Human Services including SNAP, TANF, MBD Cash, and Medicaid and from the Social Security Administration including SSI and Social Security Disability benefits. PBPG also serves military veterans and their families with special emphasis on obtaining and preserving benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Position

Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time paralegal within our Public Benefits Practice Group. The paralegal will focus on assisting individuals in applying for benefits from the Illinois Department of Human Services and Social Security Administration, will report to a Supervisory Attorney, and is responsible for the following tasks:

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 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.

Legal Aid Chicago encourages applications from individuals with relevant experience, particularly those who have direct…