Director of the Public Benefits Practice Group

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Job location
120S. LaSalle St.
Suite #900
Chicago, IL 60603
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
LAF
Job type: 
Legal - Civil
Position Description: 

For 50 years LAF has provided people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago with comprehensive free legal services to resolve non-criminal issues. Each year LAF’s more than 80 full-time attorneys and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud and unfair evictions. LAF’s work impacts more than 40,000 people each year.
Job Description:
LAF is seeking a full-time attorney to serve as the Director of the Public Benefits Practice Group. This seasoned and dedicated Practice Group provides individual legal representation and engages in broad-based advocacy with respect to various public benefits programs, including Social Security Disability, SSI, Medicaid, Medicare, TANF, and the Illinois Crime Victims program. The Practice Group also includes our Veterans' project and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program (providing help to nursing home residents and their families).

Requirements: 

Responsibilities:
• Lead planning for the Practice Group, including the development of new initiatives
• Engage the agency and the wider advocacy community on public benefits issues
• Manage the legal and advocacy work of the Practice Group
• Handle some administrative tasks
• Oversee the Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLP) staffed by Public Benefits Practice Group members
• Litigate or co-counsel some cases
• Work with Human Resources to find appropriate training and professional development opportunities for staff
• Work with External Relations to develop funding proposals
• Monitor program and grant compliance
Qualifications: Applicants must have a J.D. degree and be, or eligible to become a member of the Illinois Bar. Additional qualifications include:
• Extensive advocacy experience in the area of public benefits (Medicaid experience is a plus)
• Familiarity with other areas of poverty law and how they intersect with public benefits programs
• Track record of successful program administration
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor staff
• Excellent communication, research and writing skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively
• Track record of working to identify and push broader issues (e.g., work on task forces, participation in national or regional conferences, or work with general or specialized bar associations)
• Experience working with coalitions and community groups
Salary:
Dependent on qualifications and experience level. LAF offers generous fringe benefits.

To apply: 

Applications: Send resume, cover letter, writing sample, and the names and contact information for two professional references, by e-mail, to: [email protected]. Put the phrase “Director, Public Benefits Practice Group” on the subject line of the e-mail. No phone calls, please.
The deadline for applications is November 9, 2016. The position will remain open until filled.
LAF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Submission deadline: 
Wednesday, November 9, 2016