Public Benefits Advocate - Staff Attorney or Paralegal

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to eligible individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties, as well as to farm workers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has been dedicated to justice, offering legal services in housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, and more-at no cost to our clients. FRLS partners with community organizations and pro bono attorneys to provide quality advocacy, outreach, and education aimed at protecting the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at


The purpose of this position is to provide civil legal assistance in the areas of public benefits in our Port St. Lucie office offering representation and advocacy to individuals, families, and vulnerable communities in need of support. Public benefits include Social Security Disability, SSI, SNAP, unemployment compensation and State funded cash benefits.


Essential Functions


1. Interviews, certifies eligibility , and identifies the legal problems of FRLS's clients within a specific area of law and provides clients with appropriate legal assistance in the form of advice, referrals, or actual representation.


2. Participates in community outreach and education.


3. Represents clients in court and before administrative agencies as accepted.


4. Provides documentation, statistical information and other records as required by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director, or Executive Director.


5. Participates in case acceptance meetings.


6. Participates in training to keep up CLE's and required and legally relevant training as may be provided by the program and as mandated by Florida Bar rules.


7. Adheres to office hours, exhibits a strong work ethic and excellent time management skills, communicates, and treats clients and staff with courtesy and respect, provides constructive feedback to other advocates (paralegals) on cases discussed.


8. Serves as a role model to support staff by promoting the values of hard work, high quality advocacy and treating others with courtesy and respect.


9. Attempts to ensure accessibility of the local office(s) when necessary, by serving clients, including rural clients, non-English speaking clients and client with disabilities.


10. Promotes good relations with the public, including client groups, service providers, press, and private bars, attending/speaking at local meetings as appropriate and approved by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director and/or Executive Director.


11. Is familiar with FRLS policies, as well as requirements of LSC and other funders, and adheres to those policies and requirements.


12. Maintains an accurate follow-up system to review cases when needed.


13. Performs other duties as assigned.


Requirements

1. Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school and barred in Florida; or

2. Certified Legal Intern (CLI) Certificate required


• Candidates must be eligible for and maintain Certified Legal Intern (CLI) status in accordance with Florida Supreme Court requirements. CLI certification is time-limited (generally up to 18 months), and continued employment in this role is contingent upon maintaining active certification and taking the first bar exam available after graduation.


• Current law student or recent law school graduate eligible for CLI certification under Florida Supreme Court rule. If not currently a Certified Legal Intern at the time of hire, the individual must obtain certification before onboarding.


3. Knowledge of State and Federal court practices required.


4. Some knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for the clients.


5. Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects and colleagues.


6. Good organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.


7. Ability to work collaboratively, yet independently.


8. Must be able to effectively and efficiently maximize existing resources.


9. Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).


Knowledge of CMS a plus.


10. Must be able to effectively work in high-pressure situations, which involve deadlines.


11. Bilingual Spanish/Haitian Creole preferred but not required.


Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - Paralegal

1. High School diploma or GED.
2. Paralegal degree or certification preferred.

3. Knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for the clients.


4. Fluent in English and Spanish or Haitian Creole is preferred.


5. Ability to forge positive relationships with clients, community, and colleagues.


6. Good organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.


7. Ability to work collaboratively, yet independently.


8. Creativity and ability to maximize the use of existing resources.


9. Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Case Management System.


10. Must be able to effectively communicate with peers, supervisors, clients and the public.


11. Must be able to effectively work in high pressure situations which involve deadlines.


Working conditions


This position operates in a professional work environment.


Physical requirements


1. This is a largely sedentary role, however, some lifting of office supplies of up to 20 pounds may be required.


2. Must be able to travel throughout Florida, as needed.


Reports

1. No supervisory duties
2. Monthly progress reports

Salary and Benefits


The starting salary for attorneys in this position is $74,000. This is the salary for any law school graduate who has not yet passed the bar. The starting salary for paralegals in position is $48,000. Both salaries are on a union scales and adjust upward depending on experience. FRLS offers a very generous benefits package that includes 403(b) with employer-paid contribution; health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents; malpractice insurance; paid leave (up to 5 weeks of PTO, 2 personal days, and 13 holidays); law school loan repayment assistance. FRLS attorneys and paralegals operate in a hybrid work environment, requiring advocates to work in their assigned office at least three days per week.


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