For more than 50 years Legal Aid Chicago (formerly LAF) has provided people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago with comprehensive free legal services to resolve non-criminal issues. Each year Legal Aid Chicago’s more than 80 full-time attorneys and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. Their work impacts about 40,000 people each year.
Position: Legal Aid Chicago seeks two paralegals to enroll individuals and families who live in Chicago into public benefit “safety net” programs, including TANF, All Kids and Family Care Health Insurance, Medicaid, and SNAP.
Responsibilities: The paralegals will split their time between one or more City of Chicago Community Service Centers and Legal Aid Chicago’s downtown offices. Under the supervision of a Supervisory Attorney and as part of a paralegal team, the paralegal will screen individuals and families for assistance in applying for appropriate public benefit programs, provide advice on existing applications and redeterminations, engage in informal advocacy with the local FCRC on behalf of clients, and provide follow-up services and referrals as needed. The paralegals will also occasionally represent clients on administrative appeals at the local FCRC. Responsibilities include developing knowledge of the public benefit programs available, interviewing clients to obtain necessary information, and assisting with the preparation and submission of applications and other forms including appeals and redeterminations. Paralegals will also work closely with Legal Aid Chicago attorneys to identify clients with appealable issues and present those cases at a weekly meeting. In addition, the paralegals will conduct outreach and community education in the communities where the City of Chicago offices are located.
Qualifications: Applicants must have a college degree (unless a current Legal Aid Chicago non-exempt employee), excellent oral and written skills, and a commitment to social justice. Spanish fluency is required. Basic internet and computer skills are required, including familiarity with such programs as Outlook and Excel. Good organizational and case management skills are essential. A background in working with public benefit programs, including lived experience, is a plus. Employees must register and become certified on the State of Illinois STARS system.
Salary: Depends on experience. Generous fringe benefits.
To Apply: Send cover letter and resume by to: [email protected]. Be sure to write PBPG Paralegal in the subject line of your e-mail. This position will remain open until filled. No phone calls, please.
Legal Aid Chicago is firmly committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age religion, marital or parental status, alienage, disability, political affiliation or belief, military or military discharge status, or ex-offender status. Applicants who have experiences with our client communities are encouraged to apply.