Paralegal (Public Benefits: Medical-Legal Partnerships Project)
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 by dismantling the legal barriers that perpetuate inequality. Legal Aid Chicago staff live our mission through our core values of equity, excellence, inclusion, kindness, and respect.
Position: Legal Aid Chicago seeks two full-time paralegals in our Public Benefits Practice Group assigned to Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLPs). Legal Aid Chicago maintains three primary MLPs with the following partners: Erie Family Health Centers and Loyola University School of Law, Cook County Health, and the University of Chicago Medical Center, which focuses on patients who have experienced gun violence. The MLPs provide individual legal representation, provider education on health harming legal needs, and engage in broad-based advocacy across the wide array of legal issues that Legal Aid Chicago covers. This position reports to the MLP Supervising Attorney and the authority conferred upon the paralegal in the handling of cases or client service functions is determined by the supervisory attorney.
Responsibilities:
- Complete intakes for clients referred from MLP partners including creating profiles in electronic case management database, gathering demographic information and information relevant to the legal issue about which the client requires assistance
- Provide advice and referral to individuals not accepted as clients and make appropriate referrals to additional or alternative legal services and to necessary social services
- Apply proper eligibility standards, both financial and subject matters, in accepting clients for service
- Maintain knowledge of law and procedures related to benefits administered by the Social Security Administration and the Illinois Department of Human Services
- Maintain knowledge of the case acceptance criteria of other Legal Aid Chicago Practice Groups to facilitate appropriate internal referrals
- Represent clients by undertaking such activities as: interview and initial fact gathering, factual and legal research, devise, review, revise and implement case strategy, prepare a case for hearing, draft legal papers, negotiate, present evidence, interrogate witnesses, conduct oral advocacy, and properly prepare the client and maintain an ongoing relationship
- Participate in maintaining good community relations by acting as a liaison between community groups, including MLP partners and the Legal Aid Chicago staff
- Attend trainings and maintain up-to-date knowledge on relevant issues
- Track data related to grants and assist on related reporting
- Attend trainings and maintain up-to-date knowledge on relevant issues
- Maintain case files and accurate timekeeping in electronic case management system
- Support attorneys in all stages of litigation
- Assist attorneys with administrative tasks
- Maintain proficiency with all equipment, computer hardware and software necessary to perform the duties of the position
- Some work may be done on-site at location of Medical Partner
- Other duties as determined by the Supervising Attorneys and Director
Salary: Commensurate with experience. Legal Aid Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package, including low-cost employer-paid health plan options, employer-provided group life and long-term disability insurance, fitness center access, generous paid time off, and much more.
Required:
Applicants must have excellent oral and written skills and a demonstrated interest or experience working with Legal Aid Chicago’s client populations. 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. Good organizational and information-gathering skills as well as strong and versatile computer skills are essential. Ability to work collaboratively with others and to draft documents including letters and basic pleadings is essential as is experience and competence advocating for other people.
Preferred:
- An undergraduate degree
- Familiarity with public benefit program eligibility criteria;
- Experience and comfort interacting with people living in poverty, trauma survivors, and people with physical, mental and cognitive disabilities
A cover letter, resume, and the contact information for two professional references are required to apply. This position will remain open until filled.
Apply at Legal Aid Chicago - Paralegal - Public Benefits: Medical-Legal Partnerships Project (paylocity.com)