Staff Attorney, Public Benefits

The Public Benefits Staff Attorney will work as part of the Public Benefits Unit to represent and provide legal services to members of the community facing challenges related to their federal and state public benefits. This full-time exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), California Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB), CalFresh, CalWorks, General Relief, and CAPI matters.
• Counsel, advise, and represent clients during administrative review regarding eligibility, termination, and/or overpayment of public benefits, up to and including Administrative Law Judge hearings.
• Counsel, advise, and represent clients in state and federal court following exhaustion of administrative remedies.
• Dependent on grant, assist with grant reporting and tracking grant deliverables.
• Counsel, advise, and represent clients in public benefit-related legal matters.
• Maintain detailed and accurate case notes, case tasks, and timekeeping in case management system (LegalServer).
• Interview clients. Effectively communicate with clients.
• Engage in case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research.
• Provide effective direct and cross examination of witnesses.
• Research and write pleadings, memoranda, correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Engage in policy advocacy, coordinate, and collaborate in policy campaigns with partner community-based organizations to improve systemic issues.
• Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.
• Direct and supervise the legal work of paralegals, law students, interns, and volunteers.
• Facilitate monthly in-person and virtual workshops and clinics.
• Identify wrap around legal services and work collaboratively with CLA SoCal’s various legal units.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Follow all organizational and grant compliance policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the unit and organization.

Practice Area Qualifications

• Knowledge of Social Security law, including rules and regulations governing Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance. Knowledge of CalFresh, CalWORKs, California Unemployment Insurance Benefits, CAPI, and General Relief – Preferred.
• Experience with Administrative Law, as well as State and Federal Appeals – Preferred.

General Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and an active member in good-standing of the California Bar or member of another state bar and ability to register as a legal services provider.
• Articulate, creative, and passionate advocate with excellent written and oral communication skills, computer skills, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong personal work ethic, initiative, and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to spot legal issues and comfort with providing real-time counsel & advice.
• Strong interpersonal skills, client communication skills and comfort working with indigent clients.
• Strong technical skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Teams).
• Reliable team player.
• Great organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Desire to learn as well as share knowledge with other team members.
• Empathetic and energetic attitude while working with others.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma informed frameworks.
• Proven interest in social justice issues.
• Ability to model CLA SoCal’s values (compassion, collaboration, trust, accountability and equity) in the performance of job duties – Required.
• Commitment to CLA SoCal’s mission – Required.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy and ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners – Required.
• Prior legal services advocacy experience – Preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency – Preferred.

• Depending on work assignment, may require ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit
other locations or the ability to stand, walk and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of up to 20 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate office equipment and read technical information. Overall mobility is essential. May include sitting for long periods of time, driving a vehicle and working under challenging conditions.
• The Public Benefits Unit Staff Attorney position is a full-time, hybrid position based in Santa Ana, CA. Work is performed indoors with some potential for exposure to safety and health hazards related to human services work. May travel and participate in regional, state and national meetings and conferences.

About Community Legal Aid

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a diverse non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We focus on removing barriers to equitable access and provide compassionate, high-quality legal aid.
Employees are offered professional development and growth opportunities, a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative team spirit. Community Legal Aid SoCal is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.