Public Benefits Attorney

Description:

Overview of Position:
A Legal Aid Organization is seeking a?Staff Attorney?to join our Public Benefits Team.? A Legal Aid Organization is a nonprofit organization providing legal services to low-income persons residing in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.? ICLS targets services to seniors and those in the greatest social and economic need.? Legal services are provided by attorneys, or paralegals under the direct supervision of an attorney.? Levels of service include advice and counsel, limited action (includes negotiations and preparation of legal documents), as well as direct representation before administrative law and civil courts.?

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop broad legal expertise in public benefits?and?special education law.?
• Interview and counsel clients.
• Assist with conducting research, reviewing medical and educational records, and evaluating claims based on merit.
• Drafting and filing briefs and complaints,?as well as engage in mediation and negotiation to satisfactorily resolve clients' legal issues.
• Assist and/or represent?clients during the application?and appeal?process?for disability?benefits,?public benefits,?and special education assessments and services.
• 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?and housing.
• Assist clients?enrolled in the San Bernardino County?Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP)?with?obtaining public benefits, participate in reporting efforts to track data and outcomes in HMIS, and attend strategic planning meetings with HDAP community partners.
• Work effectively as part of a team that includes attorneys, support staff, volunteers, and students.
• Regularly participate in clinics/workshops and community outreach projects.??

• Degree from law school and active member of the California Bar in good standing.?
• 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- 3?years'?experience)?who?is?highly?motivated?and?passionate about public service work, with sensitivity to those in?crisis.?
• Self-motivated, takes initiative, ability to learn quickly.?
• Background in substantive legal areas impacting impoverished communities and experience working with low-income organizations and client groups preferred.?
• Language: ability to read, write, and communicate in English with?Spanish?being a plus?

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