Paralegal Advocate, Government Benefits, Queens

Queens Legal Services is seeking a Paralegal Advocate to join our Government Benefits Unit.

Program Description

Queens Legal Services (QLS) is part of Legal Services NYC (LSNYC), the largest provider of free civil legal services for low-income people in the country. We provide high-quality, innovative representation to address the pressing legal needs of Queens’ diverse low-income populations. We focus on the problems that have the greatest impact on our clients — preserving affordable and decent housing, representing survivors of domestic violence, obtaining immigration status, advocating for the LGBTQ community, preventing foreclosures, advocating for students with educational needs, and obtaining public benefits. As a social justice organization, all employees are expected to learn about and work to realize our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging goals. We work in partnership with community-based organizations in the communities we serve in order to address the root causes of poverty and seek racial, social, and economic justice. 

The Opportunity and Responsibilities

The Advocate will work with clients to retain, obtain, or increase critical public benefits , including cash public assistance, SNAP/Food Stamps, WIC, housing subsidies (such as FHEPS), Medicaid and Medicare, and Unemployment Insurance Benefits. Responsibilities include interviewing clients; providing legal advice and counseling related to government benefits; case investigation; drafting letters and legal documents; advising clients on eligibility for benefits and services; assisting eligible clients with applications for housing subsidies and other benefits, advocating with government agencies; direct representation of clients in administrative proceedings; and partnering with community groups to engage in outreach, education, and actions for change. The Advocate will also be responsible for administrative tasks, including timekeeping, file maintenance, uploading documents, data reporting, and case closing for grant compliance.

Experience and Qualifications

• Strong interest in advocacy and working directly with clients;
• Experience with Public Benefits law, including all public assistance applications, unemployment insurance, appeals to OTDA and NYC HRA, and/or advocacy/representation in State and Federal Administrative proceedings is strongly preferred;
• Strong interest and/or experience in advocacy to create systemic change;
• Strong interest and/or demonstrated commitment to and experience working with individuals living with physical and/or mental disabilities;
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience working with and providing culturally sensitive services to vulnerable populations;
• Strong interpersonal, teaching/training, and organizational skills;
• Experience working with diverse low-income communities and familiarity with structural and systemic racism and their intersection with poverty.
• Excellent leadership, analytical, oral, and written communication skills;
• Strong time management and organizational skills;
• Strong Teamwork skills with the ability and knowledge to provide guidance on public benefits issues to other units at QLS;
• Strong interest in outreach and collaboration with community-based organizations in providing information and trainings to the communities we serve.

 

How to Apply

Interested individuals should upload a resume, cover letter, and writing sample.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Hybrid in-person and remote work policy and excellent benefits package. 

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Please, no phone calls.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Additional information about the practice can be found on our website, www.legalservicesnyc.org. 

Legal Services NYC is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, and people over the age of 40 are strongly encouraged to apply.