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.
Legal Aid Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. Our office, located in downtown Chicago at 200 N. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible and has convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. This position requires travel to hospitals and may include travel for court or educational or outreach events.
Position: Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time Paralegal to join our Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLP) Group, which brings together legal, medical, and public health professionals to address the social determinants of health and interrupt cycles of inequity for vulnerable populations. This position reports to a Supervisory Attorney.
Legal Aid Chicago’s Medical-Legal Partnerships work directly with hospitals and health care providers to address social determinants having the greatest negative consequences for client-patients’ health and well-being. We have two active partnerships:
-Health Forward/Salud Adelante with the Cook County Health and Hospitals System to integrate legal, medical, and public health services in Chicago’s most health-challenged neighborhoods
-Recovery Legal Care with the University of Chicago Hospital to serve victims of violent crime
The MLP group handles a broad range of legal issues, with primary emphasis on public benefits and related stability concerns, including:
-Public benefits advocacy involving SNAP, TANF, AABD Cash, Medicaid, and other Illinois Department of Human Services programs
-SSI and disability benefits advocacy with the Social Security Administration, including appeals
-Crime Victims Compensation matters
-Collaboration with other Legal Aid Chicago practice groups to address related housing, employment, personal safety, immigration, criminal records, consumer/financial, and other legal issues as appropriate
Responsibilities:
-Interview and screen referred applicants by phone or on-site in healthcare settings on a wide range of legal issues, assessing eligibility and legal needs, and connecting clients to appropriate services or referrals
-Under attorney supervision, maintain an individual caseload
-Attend weekly team meetings, and other meetings as scheduled
-Participate in training to build and maintain knowledge in relevant areas of law, with a focus on public benefits
-Develop an understanding of health harming legal needs affecting our patient/client populations and the organizations that can help meet the needs we do not directly handle
-Work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago staff to provide comprehensive legal services
-Collaborate and communicate with medical partners to support the MLP service model
-Maintain accurate case files and timekeeping in electronic case management system
-Uphold the same ethical standards of conduct required of attorneys
-Provide litigation support for attorneys and assist with administrative tasks as needed
-Track data and contribute to grant reporting and program administration
-Engage in community outreach, legal education, and training for healthcare partners and community members
-Maintain proficiency with required technology, including computer systems and case management tools
-Perform other duties as assigned by supervisory attorneys and leadership
Salary and Benefits:
This position is part of the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. The Collective Bargaining Agreement sets employment terms and compensation is determined by the CBA salary scale, based on paid experience.
The budgeted salary range for this position is $46,675-$51,428, which reflects 0-10 years of paid, credited experience.
Legal Aid Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
-Bilingual Paralegals are eligible for an additional stipend
-Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment
-Time Off: 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment
-19 paid holidays, including four (4) floating holidays
-Twelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the salary after six months of employment
-403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution after one year of employment
-$50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no cost
-Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost
-Monthly internet reimbursement
-Legal Aid Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program
Legal Aid Chicago encourages applications from individuals with relevant experience, particularly those who have direct experience with communities we serve or perspectives that help us understand and serve our clients better.
-Preferred qualifications include: undergraduate degree; familiarity with public benefits eligibility criteria;
-Required qualifications include: strong oral and written communication skills; and strong organizational skills; with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
-Demonstrated commitment to working with people experiencing poverty, survivors of trauma, and individuals with physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities, as well as familiarity with trauma-informed practices and strategies for managing vicarious trauma
-Spanish proficiency is a plus
Submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information of two primary professional references and one alternative professional reference. For applicants with previous work experience, at least one reference must be a former supervisor. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.
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, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital or parental status, alienage, disability, political affiliation or belief, military or military discharge status, ex-offender status, family responsibilities, reproductive health decisions or any other protected status.
If an accommodation is needed to complete this application, contact Human Resources at [email protected].
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding an application status. We will contact candidates who are selected for the next stage of the hiring process.
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