Paralegal - Public Benefits (HIV + Legal Project) at Legal Aid Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

29 Dec, 25

Salary

50738.0

Posted On

30 Sep, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Oral Communication, Written Communication, Organizational Skills, Client Counseling, Public Benefits Knowledge, Legal Research, Case Management, Community Outreach, Advocacy Training, Cross-Cultural Communication, Team Collaboration, Technology Proficiency, Data Tracking, Intake Coordination, Legal Document Drafting, Client Relationship Management

Industry

Legal Services

Description

Description 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 throughout the city for outreach activities and client interaction. Legal Aid Chicago’s HIV+ Legal Project seeks to meet the comprehensive civil legal needs of people living with HIV. Position Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time paralegal within our HIV+ Legal Project. The paralegal will focus on the HIV+ Legal Project Intake Process, community outreach, and assisting individuals in applying for public benefits and health coverage. This position 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) Coordinate our dedicated HIV+ Legal Project Intake system conducting intake and comprehensive legal screening for potential new clients Coordinate our HIV+ Legal Project Community Advisory Board and work with its members to plan meetings 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. 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 Salary 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. Legal Aid Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: 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 Requirements Legal Aid Chicago encourages applications from individuals with relevant experience, particularly those who have direct experience with communities we serve or perspectives that help us understand and serve our clients better. 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 and the unique legal needs of people living with HIV is valued and should be highlighted in the cover letter and resume The successful applicant will be collegial and demonstrate a commitment to and experience with our client communities and/or people living in poverty, and applicants are encouraged to share that experience in their cover letter The applicant's personal background, experience, or professional background should reflect an ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations with clients, co-workers and the community we serve Fluency in Spanish is a plus Applicants must have the ability to work well under pressure, independently and as part of a team To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information of two primary professional references and one alternative professional reference. For applicants with previous work experience, at least one reference must be a former supervisor. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. Legal Aid Chicago is firmly committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of creed, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital or parental status, alienage, disability, political affiliation or belief, military or military discharge status, ex-offender status, family responsibilities, reproductive health decisions or any other protected status. If an accommodation is needed to complete this application, contact Human Resources at humanresources@legalaidchicago.org. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding an application status. We will contact candidates who are selected for the next stage of the hiring process.

Responsibilities

The paralegal will focus on the HIV+ Legal Project Intake Process, community outreach, and assisting individuals in applying for public benefits and health coverage. Responsibilities include conducting legal screenings, maintaining case files, and providing administrative support to attorneys.