Staff Attorney - Public Benefits (Hybrid) in Santa Ana, California at COMMUNITY LEGAL AID SOCAL

Make a direct impact on your community by helping individuals and families access critical public benefits. Apply today!

The Public Benefits Staff Attorney will work as part of the Public Benefits Unit to represent and provide legal services to members of the community facing challenges related to their federal and state public benefits. This full-time, exempt, hybrid position reports to the Supervising Attorney.

Responsibilities:

• Represent clients in public benefits matters, including SSI, SSDI, UIB, CalFresh, CalWORKs, General Relief, and CAPI.
• Counsel and advocate for clients through administrative processes, including eligibility disputes, terminations, overpayments, and ALJ hearings.
• Litigate cases in state and federal court following exhaustion of administrative remedies.
• Manage all aspects of casework, including client interviews, investigation, legal research, and drafting pleadings and other legal documents.
• Maintain accurate case records, notes, and timekeeping in the case management system (LegalServer).
• Engage in policy advocacy and collaborate with community partners to address systemic issues, while supporting grant reporting and deliverables as needed.
• Conduct community outreach, deliver educational presentations, and facilitate monthly in-person and virtual workshops and legal clinics.
• Supervise and direct the legal work of paralegals, law students, interns, and volunteers.
• Collaborate across legal units and with community partners to identify and provide comprehensive, wraparound legal services.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the unit and organization.

Education:

• Juris Doctor degree and an active member in good-standing of the California Bar or member of another state bar and ability to register as a legal services provider.

Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with the ability to travel regularly throughout the service area to support client representation and community engagement. – Required
• Knowledge of Social Security law, including rules and regulations governing Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance. Knowledge of CalFresh, CalWORKs, California Unemployment Insurance Benefits, CAPI, and General Relief - Preferred.
• Experience with Administrative Law, as well as State and Federal Appeals - Preferred.
• Articulate, creative, and passionate advocate with excellent written and oral communication skills, computer skills, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong personal work ethic, initiative, and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to spot legal issues and comfort with providing real-time counsel & advice.
• Strong interpersonal skills, client communication skills and comfort working with indigent clients.
• Strong technical skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Teams).
• Great organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrates empathy and energy while applying client-centered, trauma-informed approaches to effectively support the client populations.
• Ability to model CLA SoCal’s values and mission. – Required
• Prior legal services advocacy experience – Preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency – Preferred.

Holistic Benefits:

• May work as little as 35-hour workweek.
• Hybrid Schedule
• 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Student loan reimbursement program
• Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

About CLA SoCal:

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a welcoming and hopeful non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We provide equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. All individuals who are seeking a welcoming environment who celebrate and value the unique characteristics of every member of the team who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.