Social Security Disability Paralegal

$41,600 - $45,760/Yr

Peoples Development Services - Saint Paul, MN

Part-time,Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Saint Paul, MN

Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

About the position

Peoples Development Services is a community organization based in Saint Paul, MN, dedicated to providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities. We are currently seeking a passionate and dedicated Social Security Disability Paralegal to join our team. This role is integral to our SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) program, which assists individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and who have mental illness, substance use disorders, or other medical impairments in applying for Social Security disability benefits. The SOAR Paralegal Assistant will report directly to the Agency Program Director and will be expected to work collaboratively within the community, meeting clients at our office or their preferred locations, including their homes. The responsibilities of the SOAR Paralegal Assistant are diverse and require a proactive approach to client engagement and case management. The successful candidate will work closely with referral sources and community partners to identify potential candidates for the program through team meetings, outreach efforts, and referrals. This role involves initiating paperwork for consumers, conducting interviews to gather necessary information for SSI/SSDI applications, and compiling medical records and other relevant documentation. Additionally, the Paralegal will be responsible for writing SOAR Medical Summary Reports, accompanying clients to appointments at the Social Security Administration, and coordinating visits to medical professionals to obtain evidence for cases. The position also requires the ability to assist clients in applying for various benefits, including General Assistance, Food Stamps, and MNsure. Strong writing skills are essential, as the role involves analyzing extensive data and creating accurate and concise reports. The ideal candidate will possess a basic understanding of medical and psychiatric terminology and will be able to maintain professional boundaries while engaging with a challenging population in nontraditional work environments. Experience in outreach and successful engagement with diverse populations is crucial, as is the ability to develop trust and conduct interviews in unstructured settings.

Responsibilities

• Work with referral sources and community partners to identify candidates through team meetings, outreaches, and referrals.
• Initiate paperwork with consumers as referred to the program by filing initial documentation of representation with the SSA office.
• Complete interviews with consumers to gather information to complete SSI/SSDI applications.
• Gather medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications.
• Write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for consumer applications.
• Accompany consumers to appointments at the Social Security Administration.
• Coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for cases.
• Coordinate case management services with partners and help provide case management services to consumers when needed.
• Assist clients in applying for benefits such as GA, Food Stamps, GRH & MNsure.
• Demonstrate good writing skills and the ability to analyze extensive data and create written reports with accuracy and brevity.
• Maintain professional boundaries and engage a challenging population in nontraditional work conditions.
• Provide outreach and successful engagement to a diverse population, including working with clients, developing trust, and conducting interviews in non-traditional settings.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in a related field or a minimum of three years of related experience.
• Evidence of ongoing training and education in related areas such as disabilities (both mental & physical), substance abuse, and/or homelessness.
• Completion of SOAR Certification and a minimum of one year of experience in the social services field.
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Computer experience, including troubleshooting and problem-solving, and proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel) and database management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet frequent deadlines.
• Experience engaging with a diverse population and ability to respond appropriately to crisis situations.
• Possess an interest in social justice and have experience doing advocacy work for underserved populations.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in social services (1 year preferred).
• Basic knowledge of medical and psychiatric terminology.

Benefits

• Professional development assistance.