Health/Benefit Attorney

B. Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
1. The Staff Attorney is expected to develop broad legal expertise in public benefits and health law. 2. Play an active role in HDAP including assisting in the development of processes and protocols for referral engagement. 3. Provide representation to clients during the application process for: Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance and Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants as well as other public benefits to which the person may be entitled to. 4. Provide representation to clients during the appeal process for disability and/or public benefits with meritorious claims. 5. Draft legal briefs and memorandums as required for effective representation. 6. Request medical records, organize hearing records, prepare records for hearings, submit records in a timely manner, interact with representatives of the Social Security Administration, Transitional Assistance Department, and interact with clients. 7. Assist clients in achieving document readiness (e.g. obtaining California ID card, birth certificates, marriage certificates etc.) that may impact their ability to obtain benefits. 8. Collaborate with ICLS staff, healthcare providers, and other legal partners including through attendance in bi-weekly HDAP Strategic planning committee meetings. 9. Provide substantive support to paralegal staff and direct client assistance requests. 10. Serve as an escalation point for ICLS staff, medical, or legal partners to address issues related to assistance and direct client referrals. 11. Participate in reporting efforts to track data and outcomes obtained through HDAP via HMIS. 12. Maintain an active caseload composed of direct HDAP client assistance, special emergency referrals, and representation to other persons referred through the 211 Coordinated Entry System. Advocacy may include informal, administrative, and litigation on Social Security Administration claims, access to health care services, and document readiness. C. Supervisors: Directing Attorney and Executive Director D. Supervises: May include secretaries, Paralegals, law graduates or law clerks E. Principal Working Relationships: Managing Attorney Assigned Attorney Other Staff Clients Courts Advisory Council Public and Social Agencies Civic and citizens associations Representatives of client groups Other government and public officials

II. QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: A. Education: Degree from law school and active member of the California Bar in good standing. B. Work Experience: Ability to understand the objectives of poverty law Prior work experience, paid or volunteer, in legal service office serving low-income clients is considered and asset for employment. Entry level attorney (0-5 years’ experience) who is highly motivated and passionate about public service work, with sensitivity to those in crisis. Excellent writing, speaking and organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients, healthcare providers, community organizations, attorneys, the judiciary and the public. Background in substantive legal areas impacting impoverished communities and experience working with low-income organizations and client groups preferred. C. Language: English Spanish speaking is a desirable asset, but not required An ability to relate to the client community being served.