Paralegal - Medical Legal Partnerships

L'a.f., - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Hybrid - Chicago, IL

Real Estate

About the position

Legal Aid Chicago is seeking a full-time paralegal for its Medical-Legal Partnerships Group (MLP), which collaborates with hospitals and healthcare providers to address social determinants affecting client-patients' health. The role involves direct interaction with patients recovering from violent injuries, requiring trauma-informed practices. The paralegal will assist with a variety of public benefits legal issues, working under the supervision of a Supervisory Attorney, and will engage in community outreach and collaboration with medical teams.

Responsibilities

• Interview eligible clients on a wide range of legal issues by phone and on site at hospitals or health clinics
• Under attorney supervision, maintain an individual caseload with an emphasis on assisting clients with issues at the Social Security Administration, Illinois Department of Human Services and other state agencies that administer public benefits
• Attend weekly team meetings, and other meetings as scheduled
• Attend trainings to grow and maintain knowledge in relevant areas of law
• Develop understanding about health harming legal issues affecting our patient/client population
• Work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago staff to provide comprehensive legal services
• Work collaboratively with medical teams to support the MLP service model
• Maintain case files and accurate timekeeping in electronic case management system
• Maintain the same ethical standards of conduct required of attorneys
• Provide litigation support for attorneys and assist with administrative tasks as needed
• Track data and prepare reports related to our work and other grant administration
• Engage in community outreach, provide legal training and provider education for our health partners, and assist with data collection and reporting to our health partners
• Maintain proficiency with all equipment, computer hardware and software necessary to perform duties
• Handle other duties as determined by the Supervisory Attorneys and leadership team.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree preferred
• Familiarity with public benefits program eligibility criteria
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Highly developed organizational skills
• Ability to work collegially and independently
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Commitment to and experience with interacting with people living in poverty, trauma survivors, and people with physical, mental and cognitive disabilities

Nice-to-haves

• Spanish proficiency is a plus

Benefits

• Bilingual paralegals are eligible for an additional stipend
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment
• 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
• Eligible for the federal public service loan forgiveness program