Disability Advocacy Project Paralegal

Position Overview

Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania

Job Announcement

Paralegal – Norristown, Montgomery County, PA

(MMOR06152026)

SUMMARY

Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (“LASP”) seeks a full-time Paralegal to support the Community Engagement Unit’s Disability Advocacy Project (DAP) in Norristown, PA. The paralegal will assist with cases involving SSI and Social Security Disability. LASP’s Community Engagement Unit serves Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. The position is full-time. The Paralegal must be a team player and handle various duties as needed. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and experience with case management systems, or the ability to quickly learn these and other computer skills, is desirable. Staff currently work on a hybrid basis. The successful candidate will perform in-office work, work remotely as needed, file and attend hearings in person as needed throughout LASP’s service area, and support LASP’s in-person outreach efforts throughout LASP’s service area.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, working under the supervision and guidance of program attorneys, include the following:

Perform intakes for new SSI and Social Security Disability cases, which will include interviewing applicants for service either by phone or in-person, issue spotting, and through consultation with the DAP attorney, determining if applicants are eligible, the cases presented have merit and fall within a priority of LASP;

Under the supervision of the DAP attorney provide advice and counsel to clients, conduct brief services to address client needs and obtain information through letter writing, e-mail, and telephone calls; prepare legal documents which may include completing forms, pleadings and petitions, briefs, affidavits, declarations, motions, memoranda, appeals, discovery requests, and other legal documents in connection with cases;

Review denials and consult with the DAP attorney to ascertain if a case warrants an appeal;

Review, download, and upload documents to the Electronic Records Express;

Obtain medical records and other supplemental documentation from third parties to support litigation;

Create, maintain, and manage caseload files in LASP's computer case management system pursuant to LASP standards and complete administrative tasks including, but not limited to, entering notes into the case management system and timekeeping;

Maintain prompt, professional, and thorough communication with clients and third parties authorized to receive case updates;

Organize information and use technical resources so that information necessary to assist applicants and clients is easy to access and can be transferred to other staff for extended representation;

Assist program attorneys in the preparation of witnesses, evidence, and exhibits for hearings;

Support pro bono service by maintaining cases in LASP’s case management system and organize information and address client needs for pro bono volunteers;

Conduct outreach, clinics, community education, and workshops with community partners, including, but not limited to, the County Assistance Offices in all counties;

Maintain awareness of community resources of benefit to LASP’s clients;

Assist in the creation and updating of legal resources, such as flyers, pro se materials, fact sheets, etc.;

Engage with LASP team efforts to achieve office and program goals, including participation in program-wide affinity groups and task forces;

Ensure compliance with requirements of grants and contracts which may provide funding for the position; assist with contract and grant reports, and keep detailed contemporaneous time records;

Develop relevant skills and substantive knowledge through training, CLE, and other educational opportunities as approved by the Community Engagement Unit Supervisor and LASP Management;

Maintain a trauma-informed environment and stay current on developments in priority service areas;

Abide by all applicable professional standards of ethics and practice; and

Perform other duties and responsibilities assigned to support the effective operation of the Community Engagement Unit, which may include assisting the unit’s attorneys in other substantive areas of law as needed.

SUPERVISOR: Community Engagement Unit Supervising Attorney. The paralegal will work very closely with the DAP Staff Attorney.

QUALIFICATIONS: Associate or bachelor's degree. At least 2 years' experience as a paralegal or related experience and/or training. Demonstrated proficiency in computer technology, including Microsoft products (particularly Word and Excel), electronic mail, record and timekeeping software, routine database activity, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, etc. Excellent communication, time management, and organization skills. Spanish language fluency is helpful.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Base salary for a paralegal starts at $45,000, but salary is commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits, including a 401K retirement plan with generous employer contributions, health insurance option in which 100% of premium costs are provided, ancillary benefits, and generous leave provisions including paid holidays, floating holidays, personal leave, vacation, sick, and parental leave.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

LASP is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate in the recruitment, selection, or advancement of employees on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information or on any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within LASP, including hiring, recruitment, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. LASP makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

TO APPLY: Send resume and cover letter, including the job title (DAP Paralegal), to Carolyn Johnson, Chief Counsel at Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, by email to [email protected]. Position remains open until filled.

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Salary/Non-Exempt

Pay Range

Starting from USD $45,000.00/Yr.