Description

We're a dynamic legal non-profit committed to fighting injustice and advocating for social, economic, and racial equity by providing compassionate, holistic, and impactful legal services. Join our team, and together we can work towards a world where equity and justice are not a goal, but a given!

The Public Benefits Legal Fellow will work as part of the Public Benefits Unit to serve and represent individuals facing challenges related to federal and state public benefits. This full-time exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney and is fully funded through the end of 2024. 

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of public benefits-related matters, including, but not limited to matters involving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), California Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB), CalFresh, CalWORKS, General Relief, and CAPI matters. 
• Represent clients during administrative review of eligibility, termination, and/or overpayment of public benefits, up to and including Administrative Law Judge hearings.
• Dependent on grant, assist with grant reporting and tracking grant deliverables. 
• Maintain detailed and accurate case notes, case tasks, and timekeeping in case management system (LegalServer). 
• Effectively communicate with and work with our clients. 
• Engage in case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research. 
• Provide effective advocacy in hearings, including 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. 
• Provide support for monthly in-person and virtual workshops and clinics. 
• Foster and demonstrate 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. 

Requirements

• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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 and 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. 
• 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. 

Holistic Benefits

In addition to a collaborative team spirit and learning culture, Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) offers a comprehensive and competitive salary and benefits package that includes group health and life insurance with optional employee buy-in, long-term disability, and various optional benefits such as pet insurance. We offer a flexible and hybrid work schedule. Our staff members can work as few as 35-hour week. Some positions may work beyond a 35-hour week, including evening and weekend events, when caseload or other obligations so necessitate. Employees enjoy a work-life balance with 16 paid holidays a year, paid vacation, sick, and personal/well-being leave. Employee Assistance Program, Law School Loan Reimbursement Program, flexible parental leave, and 401k with employer contribution are available. Employees who can prove bilingual proficiency are eligible for a monetary bonus. We constantly look for opportunities to enhance our programs, reward our teammates, and update our benefits offerings regularly.

About CLA SoCal

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 providing compassionate, high-quality legal aid. CLA SoCal aims to fill all positions with people who share our values and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We provide equal employment opportunities and strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities.

Please note research suggests that individuals identifying as Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, members of the LGBTQIA community, women, and people living with disabilities may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.