Legal Staff Paralegal in Riverside, CA

Public Interest

Riverside, CA

Legal Staff Paralegal in Riverside, CA

Legal Staff

Max 8 yrs required

No

Job Title: Public Benefits Paralegal – Housing and Disability Advocacy Project (HDAP)

Job Responsibilities:
The Public Benefits Paralegal for the Housing and Disability Advocacy Project (HDAP) at the organization is an integral part of the Public Benefits Team. This role involves providing legal services to vulnerable populations, specifically focusing on housing and disability advocacy. The paralegal will work under the supervision of a licensed attorney, providing various levels of legal assistance including advice, counsel, and direct representation before administrative law and civil courts. The primary responsibilities include:

- Accepting HDAP referrals from partner organizations and contacting referrals within 72 hours of receipt. This may require visiting the person in their community location.
- Traveling weekly to client locations, including unhoused encampments and other non-traditional locations, with a focus on safety by ensuring travel and home visits are conducted with an additional staff member.
- Holistically assessing HDAP referrals and assisting clients in applying for public benefits such as CalFresh, General Relief/General Assistance, and CAPI, as well as obtaining vital documents.
- Maintaining regular contact with HDAP clients (at least once every 30 days) and assisting in the application process for disability benefits, which includes assessing medical history, coordinating with the health law team, and challenging treatment denials or delays.
- Requesting and obtaining medical records, maintaining updated client contact information across multiple databases, and representing clients in administrative legal proceedings related to various public benefits.
- Providing direct representation at all stages of the disability application process, including administrative hearings, and negotiating with Appeals Specialists to avoid hearings when possible.
- Conducting intake and outreach activities in the community, often in partnership with other ICLS staff members or community-based organizations.
- Reviewing medical records to ensure clients have sufficient evidence for disability benefits applications.
- Becoming certified in SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) for both adult and child criteria to assist clients effectively.
- Familiarizing with and adhering to Legal Services Corporation regulations and other funder requirements.
- Maintaining physical files in compliance with program and funder requirements, including ICLS’ Case Management System Legal Server and San Bernardino County HMIS.
- Engaging monthly with HDAP partners, providing updates on clients, and coordinating efforts to locate clients if needed.
- Handling a minimum caseload based on experience tier, with specific expectations for Paralegal I through IV levels.

Education and Experience Information:
The position requires a paralegal with the following skills and experience:

- Active listening and trauma-informed interviewing skills.
- Legal writing, research, and analytical skills.
- Bilingual abilities are preferred, as well as experience in negotiations.
- Previous experience in conducting street outreach to unhoused individuals or working with similar populations is required.
- Experience in conducting a homeless point-in-time count for San Bernardino or Riverside county is a plus.
- Courtroom or trial experience is beneficial and will be gained at the organization for those with limited experience.
- The role requires compliance with MCLE requirements for paralegals as per California Business and Professions Code §6450(d), including mandatory continuing legal education in legal ethics and general law or specialized law.

Salary Information:
The pay range for the Public Benefits Paralegal position is - hourly, depending on experience.

The organization is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination and harassment. Employment selections are based solely on merit, as identified through work experience and education, and apply to all terms and conditions of employment. The organization values diversity and fosters an inclusive environment that respects the unique differences and experiences of its staff and the community it serves.