Paralegal - Public Benefits (HIV + Legal Project)

Paralegal - Public Benefits (HIV + Legal Project)

Join to apply for the Paralegal - Public Benefits (HIV + Legal Project) role at Legal Aid Chicago

Overview

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 is located in downtown Chicago at 120 S. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible, and has convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. This position may require travel throughout the city for outreach activities and client interaction.

Responsibilities

• Legal Aid Chicago's HIV+ Legal Project seeks to meet the comprehensive civil legal needs of people living with HIV. The paralegal will focus on the HIV+ Legal Project Intake Process, community outreach, and assisting individuals in applying for public benefits and health coverage.
• Report to a Supervisory Attorney. Tasks include : developing and maintaining knowledge of SSA benefits and IDHS-administered benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, TANF); coordinating the HIV+ Legal Project Intake system; coordinating the Community Advisory Board; interviewing clients and gathering facts; researching, case strategy, hearing preparation, drafting documents, negotiating, presenting evidence, and maintaining ongoing client relationships.
• Provide administrative and litigation support : drafting letters, pleadings, discovery, records requests; creating outreach materials; maintaining files and intake materials.
• Provide advice and referrals to individuals; participate in community relations; outreach and education; assist with internal referrals; maintain case files, case notes, and timekeeping in electronic systems.
• Track data related to grants and assist with grant reporting; partner with other staff and partner agencies; maintain proficiency with equipment and technology.
• Other duties as determined by the Supervising Attorney and Director.

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 based on the CBA salary scale, reflecting paid experience.

Budgeted salary range : $45,760-$50,738 (0-10 years of paid, credited experience).

Legal Aid Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package, including :

Requirements

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.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two primary professional references and one alternative reference. 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 an equal opportunity employer and 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, or any other protected status. If an accommodation is needed to complete this application, contact Human Resources at humanresources@legalaidchicago.org. Due to high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries about status. We will contact candidates who are selected for the next stage.

J-18808-Ljbffr