Economic Justice Staff Attorney (SSI/Disability)

Full-time

No

Job Title: Economic Justice Staff Attorney (SSI/Disability)
Location: Oakland, CA
Organization: BayLegal
Department: Economic Justice (SSI/Disability Focused)
Employment Type: Full Time
Experience Level: Entry Level

Salary Information:
- Salary ranges from $77,614-$127,707 depending on years of experience
- Compensation based on competitive public interest salaries
- Generous benefits package, including 100% employer covered medical, dental, and life insurance for employees and up to 60% for dependents
- BayLegal student debt reimbursement program
- Long term disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Wage differentials for multi-lingual employees
- Dependent childcare employer contribution program
- Employer paid CA Bar license and/or social work license fees
- 401k retirement plan with BayLegal contribution following first year
- Generous paid leave policy, including sick leave, parental leave, holidays, and vacation time

Job Summary:
BayLegal is seeking an attorney with a strong commitment to social justice and public interest advocacy to join their Economic Justice / SSI practice team in Alameda County. This position focuses on advocating for access to public safety net benefits, primarily Social Security disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI). The successful candidate will work out of the Oakland office and may be required to travel throughout Alameda County for client meetings and advocacy purposes.

Responsibilities:
- Learn and advocate for the diverse legal needs of communities affected by systemic and structural inequities in Alameda County and the broader Bay Area
- Represent clients in a range of public benefits matters, including Social Security disability benefits, SSI, and CAPI claims and appeals
- Assist clients with accessing other county, state, and federal benefit programs
- Identify and employ impact advocacy strategies to remove systematic barriers to public benefits for vulnerable populations such as immigrants, survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, and people with disabilities
- Develop relationships and collaborate with community partners, including governmental agencies and community-based organizations
- Provide trainings and know your rights presentations on public benefits and related civil legal issues
- Engage in other tasks and projects to further BayLegal's mission and operations as a non-profit

Requirements:
- A commitment to fostering inclusivity and equity
- Member of CA Bar in good standing or admitted to practice in another state and eligible to practice in California for 3 years under the California State Bar rules for the Registered Legal Services Attorney Program preferred
- Willingness to work on-site at BayLegal office or advocacy site at least three days per week
- Received or willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by date of hire
- Passion for and desire to work with low-income individuals
- Experience providing direct legal services to low-income clients preferred
- Experience with government benefits programs preferred
- Experience with impact litigation and/or policy advocacy preferred
- Demonstrated commitment to racial justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Knowledge of California Rules of Professional Conduct and BayLegal funding requirements
- Proficiency in technological equipment, hardware, and software necessary for the position
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Excellent writing, editing, and proof-reading skills
- Excellent communication, writing, and public speaking skills
- Strong community outreach and training skills
- Sense of humor and proactive problem-solver

Hybrid Work Option:
BayLegal is committed to the health and safety of their staff, clients, and community. They have health and safety protocols in place and are continuously working to safely increase in-person services and activities. The successful candidate will be expected to work on-site at least three days per week and may work remotely on a part-time basis. Employees must reside in California and be able to commute to their physical BayLegal base location and other service delivery locations as needed during the standard work week.

Application Process:
BayLegal is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. They are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, references, and writing sample through BayLegal's career application. As part of the cover letter, candidates should address how their experiences have prepared them to serve BayLegal's diverse client base, work effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds, and contribute to BayLegal's commitment to inclusion and diversity.

H1 and H2 Headings:
H1: Join Our Team as an Economic Justice Staff Attorney (SSI/Disability) in Oakland, CA
H2: Make a Difference in the Lives of Low-Income Individuals Through Legal Advocacy

H1: About BayLegal: A Non-Profit Organization Committed to Social Justice and Inclusion
H2: Our Mission: Advocate for Equal Access to Public Safety Net Benefits

H1: Job Responsibilities: Impact Advocacy to Remove Systemic Barriers to Public Benefits
H2: Empower Low-Income Communities in Alameda County and the Bay Area

H1: Requirements: Commitment to Inclusivity and Equity in Serving Diverse Client Populations
H2: Join a Team of Passionate and Dedicated Attorneys Fighting for Social Justice

H1: Compensation and Benefits: Competitive Salary and Generous Benefits Package
H2: Join a Diverse and Family-Friendly Work Environment with Opportunities for Growth

H1: Application Process: Equal Opportunity Employer Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion
H2: Apply Now to Join BayLegal's Team and Make a Difference in Your Community.

Not specified

100% employer covered medical, dental, and life insurance for employees and up to 60% for dependents; BayLegal student debt reimbursement program; long term disability insurance; employee assistance program; wage differentials for multi-lingual employees; dependent childcare employer contribution program; employer paid CA Bar license and/or social work license fees; 401k retirement plan with BayLegal contribution following first year; generous paid leave policy including sick leave, parental leave, holidays, and vacation.

Not specified

Legal advocacy, public benefits, impact litigation, policy advocacy, community outreach, training, communication, writing, problem-solving

Not specified

Submit cover letter, resume, references, and writing sample through BayLegal's career application.

Qualification and Experience Member of CA Bar in good standing or admitted to practice in another state and eligible to practice in California for 3 years under the California State Bar rules for the Registered Legal Services Attorney Program preferred. Candidates who have recently passed the California Bar or will be taking the bar exam at the next sitting are welcome to apply.

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