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Philadelphia, PA 19118
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Health and Independence Paralegals

Description: 

CLS is seeking two full-time paralegals for the Health and Independence Unit (H&I) at its North Philadelphia office. The H&I Unit helps low-income families, domestic violence survivors, immigrants, older adults (ages 60+), and younger people with disabilities to get and keep public benefits that provide essential income and health coverage, including TANF, SNAP/Food Stamps, LIHEAP, Subsidized Child Care, Medicaid, and Medicare. Some of our clients come to CLS for help accessing in-home long term care services so that they can remain independent in their own homes instead of having to enter a nursing home. The Unit also represents clients who live in nursing homes or boarding homes that are violating their rights or providing poor quality care. Other clients seek our help because of disputes with the Social Security Administration (SSA) concerning their financial eligibility for SSI or Social Security benefits.   

The paralegals will work with clients on their eligibility for public benefits, including TANF Cash Assistance, SNAP (Food Stamps), Medicaid, Medicare, LIHEAP, and Subsidized Child Care, and on issues concerning financial eligibility for benefits from SSA. They will also work with frail and vulnerable older adults on access to home and community-based services, long term care, and related issues to maximize older adults’ independence. Paralegals in this unit carry their own caseloads with a significant volume of cases under the close supervision of an attorney.   

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The position will involve:  

  • Conducting intake on a rotating schedule with other unit members   

  • Interviewing clients (homebound clients who cannot come in for intake are interviewed over the phone or during a home visit, including nursing home clients) 

  • Gathering all relevant facts and discussing the case with a supervising attorney to determine next steps 

  • Filing administrative appeals and advocating with the County Assistance Office (CAO) and the SSA, under the supervision of an attorney 

  • Using the CAO and the SSA Policy Manuals to analyze cases 

  • Drafting letters and affidavits  

  • Negotiating and advocating with the CAO and SSA  

  • Representing clients (with attorneys) at hearings as needed   

  • Presenting community education workshops to educate individuals and families about their legal rights 

  • Participating in work involving systemic advocacy and policy issues but primarily focusing on representing individual clients 

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and abilities

  • Strong client interviewing skills  

  • Patience and persistence 

  • Strong analytical, writing, and interviewing skills 

  • Excellent written and oral advocacy skills  

  • Strong organizational skills  

  • Ability to learn a large volume of complex material quickly, initiative, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to interact well in a multi-cultural environment 



 

  

Requirements: 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School Diploma or GED 

  • Strong writing skills 

  • Exceptional organizational skills 

  • Computer literacy, including proficiency in using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field or Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies  

  • Experience with a social services agency or a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of the poor, older adults, and/or people with disabilities, and/or experience in legislative or administrative advocacy  

To Apply: 

To Apply: CLS will accept applications on a rolling basis until the position has been filled. You can submit your application on CLS’s website online at: https://clsphila.org/careers/or https://clsphiladelphia.applytojob.com/apply/hBZUSaex0l/Health-Independence-Paralegal 

What to Include in your application: Please include a cover letter, resume, three professional references from current or former supervisors, and one brief writing sample (10 pages or less). CLS values a diverse work environment and strongly encourages women, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ, people with disabilities, people who have experienced poverty or homelessness and people who have had prior contact with the juvenile, criminal, or child welfare systems to apply. For this job, the perspective of people with criminal records is especially valuable. CLS invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and legal services practice.  

This is a full-time position covered by the collective bargaining agreement between CLS and the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, AFL-CIO and its affiliate District 1199C. CLS asks for a minimum two-year commitment from individuals who accept an offer of employment for a paralegal position. The current minimum starting salary is $38,600 for entry-level applicants but that salary is subject to change or adjustment if an applicant has relevant years of experience and according to the provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement. Raises and benefits are also governed by that agreement.  

CLS offers a very generous and competitive benefits package including 100% employer paid medical, life, and short/long-term disability benefits,  a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, and generous leave package.   

Community Legal Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. CLS, Inc. does not discriminate in the selection of employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, genetics, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.  In addition to federal law requirements, CLS complies with all applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.   

Information

Submission Deadline: 
June 20, 2022
Organization Information: 
Community Legal Services
1424 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia , PA 19102
United States