Public Benefits Attorney — SSI/CAPI Advocate

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Bay Area Legal Aid (BayLegal) seeks an attorney for the Alameda County SSI Practice Team to advocate for low-income clients seeking Social Security disability benefits, SSI, and the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI).

Based in Alameda County with potential travel within the county, the attorney will maintain a caseload, provide direct legal services, and participate in advocacy and community partnerships to improve access to public benefits.

Qualifications

• Commitment to public interest and social justice advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for underserved communities in Alameda County and the broader Bay Area to reduce homelessness and promote social justice.
• Maintain an active caseload and provide direct legal services focusing on public benefits claims (Social Security disability, SSI, CAPI).
• Represent individuals in administrative hearings related to public benefits and beyond to federal court as needed.
• Coordinate with BayLegal colleagues and community partners to address related legal issues and barriers.
• Engage in broader advocacy strategies to remove barriers to public benefits for vulnerable groups including immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, and people experiencing homelessness.
• Provide workshops and technical assistance to community partners and clients on public benefits and civil legal issues.
• Foster public-private partnerships with agencies, courts, NGOs, and pro bono partners for integrated services.
• Track and document services and funding deliverables in line with policy and funding requirements.

Job description

Bay Area Legal Aid (BayLegal) seeks an attorney for the Alameda County SSI Practice Team to advocate for low-income clients seeking Social Security disability benefits, SSI, and the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI).

Based in Alameda County with potential travel within the county, the attorney will maintain a caseload, provide direct legal services, and participate in advocacy and community partnerships to improve access to public benefits.