Temporary Paralegal - Public Benefits - Legal Aid Chicago
Illinois Legal Aid Online is a non-profit organization that provides free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. They are seeking a temporary paralegal in their Public Benefits Practice Group to assist clients with obtaining and maintaining benefits from various state and federal agencies, while coordinating a pro bono project.
Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain, and grow knowledge of law and procedures related to the benefits administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) with a particular focus on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, including new and upcoming changes to those programs
- Conduct intake and gather facts needed for comprehensive legal assessment for potential clients
- Apply proper eligibility standards, both financial and subject matters, in accepting clients for service
- Obtain, prepare, and submit other documents necessary to establish eligibility
- Prepare cases for Pro Bono involvement
- Coordinate with Pro Bono volunteers to assign tasks, document advocacy, answer questions, and obtain answers from supervising attorneys
- Directly assist clients with IDHS matters including but not limited to: completing and submitting applications and other forms, conducting factual and legal research; devising, updating, and implementing case strategies; preparing and presenting cases for case acceptance decisions; preparing cases for hearings; drafting legal documents; negotiating; presenting evidence; conducting oral advocacy in administrative proceedings; and properly maintaining an ongoing client relationship
- Provide administrative and litigation support to attorneys including, but not limited to drafting letters, pleadings, discovery, records requests; and maintaining paper files and intake materials; reviewing and tracking case trends
- 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
- Maintain case files and accurate timekeeping in electronic case management system
- Maintain proficiency with all equipment, computer hardware and software necessary to perform the duties of the position and
- Other duties as determined by the Supervising Attorneys and Director
Skills
- 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
- 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
- Fluency in Spanish
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
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