Benefits Paralegal--Northern Regional Coverage, WV

PARALEGAL 

(Non-exempt Employee)

Purpose of Job: 

To provide high quality professional advocacy for low-income clients on matters that do not require an attorney. The advocacy and representation focuses on public benefits including Medicaid cases, food stamps cases, WV Works, and social security disability cases. You will have direct responsibility for interacting with clients and with other attorneys and community partners. Frequent travel throughout the Northern area of West Virginia is required. Attention to detail is necessary.

Scope of Responsibility: 

Work performed in the office setting, in administrative law proceedings, and in the community.

This position can be based in Clarksburg, Wheeling or Morgantown. WV.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Provide legal representation consistent with professional and LAWV organizational standards for the delivery of civil legal services to the poor, and consistent with any requirement of the Legal Services Corporation, LAWV policies in conjunction with this Manual, and all other funding sources. 

2. The professional responsibility of paralegals is substantially the same as that of lawyers. Paralegals are expected to maintain their own caseloads and files in administrative law proceedings, but subject to the supervision of the attorneys in the office. Paralegals shall have the responsibility for representing clients in administrative hearings to the extent permitted by law. Paralegals shall perform job duties as required by the special grant under which they are hired.

3 Maintain accurate and complete files or records. Timely prepare reports and complete forms and records necessary for client services or administrative tasks related to job.

4. Interact with clients and staff and service providers professionally and appropriately. Work with other staff on client services or other program tasks in a professional manner. Maintain professional relations with service providers from the paralegal’s funding source who make referrals or otherwise coordinate with the program.

5. Within the constraints of the job, attend and participate in statewide planning meetings, trainings and task forces, as well as office meetings.

6. Make an effort to involve private attorneys in the provision of legal services to eligible clients. Paralegals will expend efforts on private attorney involvement to the extent that is possible in their work area, necessary to meet the program obligations for private attorney involvement,

Job Requirements:

1. Must have an Associate’s Degree/Paralegal Certificate and a minimum of 2 years of experience or in the alternative, 4 years of experience. 

2. Must have demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income constituents.

3. Must have skills to use office technologies, including learning LAWV case management software.

4. Must be able to balance administrative and client advocacy responsibilities.

5. Good communication skills, both written and oral are required.

6. Ability to organize, prioritize and work independently.