Temporary Paralegal - Public Benefits

Legal Aid Chicago has been providing free civil legal assistance to individuals living in poverty for over 50 years. They are seeking a full-time temporary paralegal within their Public Benefits Practice Group to assist with applications and challenges related to public benefits, particularly focusing on SNAP and Medicaid.

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 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
• Ability to work 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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