Paralegal - Public Assistance Benefits and Homeless- Maui
The Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi is Hawaiʻi’s oldest and largest non-profit public interest law firm with offices statewide. Through its dedicated staff, Legal Aid helps ensure justice and fairness for all by providing civil legal aid to the most vulnerable in our society.
Position Description
We are seeking a full-time Paralegal to provide client services related to public assistance benefits, including Social Security Disability, General Assistance & SNAP. Responsibilities include, processing referrals, interviewing clients, evaluating case strengths and weaknesses, gathering medical documentation, completing applications, requesting reconsideration of denials, and representation at administrative hearings. The position also plays an important role in our services to unhoused individuals, which includes partnerships with homeless services providers and pre-scheduled on site-intake and client services. The may also require occasional work in other areas of Legal Aid’s practice and includes participating in outreach and education efforts. Candidates should meet the following minimum job qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree preferred, but at a minimum applicants should have an Associate degree or equivalent from two year college or technical school or equivalent experience.
· Paralegal experience preferred but not required if the applicant possesses related skills and experience, including experience in the medical or social services fields.
· Familiarity with the process and requirement to obtain and maintain state financial assistance (General Assistance, Aid to the Blind & Disabled) and/or Social Security Benefits preferred.
· Experience working with individuals with physical and mental disabilities strongly preferred.
· Experience in case/client management preferred;
· Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office program (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams), required.
· Able to work collaboratively and maintain good working relationships in small working group.
· Culturally sensitive and able to work well with diverse, low-income populations, and familiarity with local community needs strongly preferred.
· Demonstrable commitment to social justice or experience working with disadvantaged and/or low-income population, or issues affecting low-income populations preferred.
· Able to perform multiple tasks with attention to detail.
· Sensitivity to resource limitations.
· Able to work under pressure in an empathetic and professional manner.
Compensation: $20.90 - $27.70/hour commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Our generous benefits package is designed to speak to employees’ needs and to support and enhance your lifestyle with an emphasis on quality of life and work-life balance. Full time work-week hours are 37.50 hours per week.
Benefits include:
· Two medical insurance providers offering 4 different plans to select from, free single coverage and employer contribution to premiums share for dependents.
· Dental insurance.
· 401K plan with employer matching.
· Life Insurance for employees and dependents.
· Free long-term care and long-term disability insurance.
· Parental leave plan with 8 weeks of fully paid leave available after one year of employment.
· Free employee assistance plan - up to 6 sessions per year also available for household members.
· Paid time off includes 21 days of vacation, 12 sick days, one personal day and 14 paid holidays annually (15 during Election Year).
This position is currently a hybrid of remote and in-office work based on a weekly rotation schedule. Hybrid working condition is subject to change. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to jobs@legalaidhawaii.org. No calls please.
This job posting does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. The position requirements, duties, and offered benefits are subject to change. The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Employer. More information about Legal Aid can be found at www.legalaidhawaii.org
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.09 - $26.63 per hour
Expected hours: 37.50 per week
Benefits:
· 401(k)
· 401(k) matching
· Dental insurance
· Employee assistance program
· Health insurance
· Life insurance
· Paid time off
· Vision insurance