Supervising Social Security Attorney

NOSSCR; Chicago (IL); Ibrido; USD 77.000 - 94.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Remote work options

Descrizione del lavoro

Uptown People’s Law Center seeks a Supervising Attorney to oversee the Social Security program and drive the statewide expansion of the InReach Project, aiding incarcerated individuals pre-release.

The role coordinates social security attorneys and paralegals, handles a docket, and partners with agencies to broaden the program’s impact. Strong leadership and crisis-sensitive communication are essential.

Competenze

• J.D. licensed to practice law in Illinois (or able to become licensed)
• 7–10 years experience as a licensed attorney, with at least 5 years in Social Security and disability law
• Ability to work with trauma-affected clients and diverse partners

Mansioni

• Supervise and train staff attorneys and paralegals on Social Security cases
• Lead attorney on up to 20 cases, including medical record review and hearings
• Build relationships with incarcerated individuals, advocacy groups, state government and SSA to expand InReach Program
• Develop innovative strategies to meet clients' legal needs and advance the organization's mission
• Collaborate with Executive Director, Legal Director and staff on case development and outreach

Conoscenze

Verbal & written communication

Cross-cultural competence

Team leadership

Formazione

J.D., licensed in Illinois

Descrizione del lavoro

About UPLC:

UPLC is a small nonprofit legal aid and advocacy organization located in Uptown that protects the rights of tenants, people with disabilities and people who are currently and formerly incarcerated.

UPLC represents disabled adults seeking Social Security disability benefits, tenants experiencing problems with their landlords (including illegal eviction), individuals who were discriminated against in the apartment application process, and people being held in Illinois prisons whose rights have been violated while in prison.

Position Purpose:

The Supervising Attorney will oversee UPLC’s Social Security program and lead the drive in the statewide expansion of UPLC’s InReach Project – which seeks to assist and represent individuals in custody with applications for benefits prior to their release from custody and advocates for the state of Illinois to adopt Social Security application assistance as a core pillar of its re-entry programming.

Position Responsibilities:

This position will report to the Legal Director. The position will coordinate and supervise the Social Security attorneys and paralegals, handle a docket of individual cases, and work partner agencies to expand UPLC’s InReach Program.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Supervise and train staff attorneys and paralegals working on Social Security cases.
• Act as lead attorney on up to 20 individual cases, which includes the review of medical records, drafting briefs, and appearing in administrative hearings.
• Build and maintain working relationships with incarcerated individuals, other advocacy groups, the Illinois state government, and the Social Security Administration with the goal to expand the statewide reach of UPLC’s InReach Program.
• Help develop innovative strategies to further the mission of Uptown People’s Law Center and meet the legal needs of our clients.
• Participate, along with the Executive Director, Legal Director, and all staff, in case development and selection.
• Carry out special projects and other directives as assigned by the Executive Director and Legal Director
• Work with other staff to build the UPLC’s capacity through outreach, communications and fundraising

Qualifications:

• J.D., licensed to practice law in Illinois, or with the ability to become licensed in Illinois within a reasonable time
• 7-10 years experience as a licensed attorney, with a minimum of 5 years experience in Social Security and disability law.
• Ability to work effectively with both UPLC clients, many of whom have experienced trauma and/or crisis, and community partners.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and draft quality written arguments.
• Cross-cultural competencies and self-awareness around issues of power, privilege, and difference

Travel Requirements:

Ability to drive and be available for out-of-town travel, primarily to mid-state prisons, approximately once a month.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary depends on experience and starts at $85,000/year. UPLC provides individual health insurance, retirement contributions and generous paid time off.
Flex time and remote work options are available; however, in person attendance is often required due to the nature of the work.

This is a full-time, exempt position. Non-traditional hours—weekends and evenings—may be required on occasion.

UPLC is proud to be a unionized workplace. This position is represented by Office and Professional Employees International Union, Local 39. We believe that supporting workers’ rights and collective bargaining strengthens our advocacy for our clients and our community. Wages, hours, and working conditions for this role may be governed by our collective bargaining agreement, which is still in progress.

https://www.uplcchicago.org/get-involved/careers/title/supervising-social-security-attorney