Lead Attorney, Benefits Unit & Impact Advocacy

National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives; New Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 77,850 - 95,150; Full time

Job summary

South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. (SCCLS) seeks a Supervising Attorney for the Benefits Unit to lead advocacy staff and oversee state and federal benefits work in southeastern Massachusetts.

The role mentors attorneys and paralegals, manages intake, develops systemic advocacy, and coordinates grant projects with other units, improving access to cash assistance, SNAP, Medicaid, and related benefits.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of legal practice with expertise in benefits law and civil rights.
• Admitted in MA or eligible for admission.
• Experience supervising is desirable.
• Experience representing clients seeking federal disability benefits.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Ability to work across diverse communities and settings.
• Fluency in a second language reflecting client communities desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop a vision for benefits advocacy with direct representation and systemic work.
• Maintain a small, strategic caseload in administrative and court proceedings.
• Engage leadership, staff, and community groups to drive strategic initiatives and respond to policy changes.
• Develop and oversee systemic advocacy and litigation for the Benefits Unit.
• Establish and revise practice standards, ensuring funder requirements and professional norms.
• Ensure staff collaborate with other program advocates and communities.
• Collaborate with Elder Law Unit Supervising Attorney to achieve goals.
• Work with leadership to ensure grant compliance and reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Civil rights

Benefits law

Advocacy

Multilingual

Remote collaboration

Team supervision

Job description

South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. (SCCLS) seeks a Supervising Attorney for the Benefits Unit to lead advocacy staff and oversee state and federal benefits work in southeastern Massachusetts.

The role mentors attorneys and paralegals, manages intake, develops systemic advocacy, and coordinates grant projects with other units, improving access to cash assistance, SNAP, Medicaid, and related benefits.