Staff Attorney or Paralegal - Public Benefits Advocate

Staff Attorney or Paralegal — Public Benefits Advocate 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. 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 Interview, certify eligibility, and identify the legal problems of FRLS’s clients within a specific area of law, and provide clients with appropriate legal assistance in the form of advice, referrals, or actual representation. Participate in community outreach and education. Represent clients in court and before administrative agencies as accepted. Provide documentation, statistical information and other records as required by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director, or Executive Director. Participate in case acceptance meetings. Participate in training to keep up CLEs and required training as may be provided by the program and as mandated by Florida Bar rules. Adhere to office hours, exhibit a strong work ethic and excellent time management skills, communicate, and treat clients and staff with courtesy and respect, provide constructive feedback to other advocates (paralegals) on cases discussed. Serve as a role model to support staff by promoting the values of hard work, high quality advocacy and treating others with courtesy and respect. Attempt to ensure accessibility of the local office(s) when necessary, by serving clients, including rural clients, non‑English speaking clients and clients with disabilities. Promote 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. Be familiar with FRLS policies, as well as requirements of LSC and other funders, and adhere to those policies and requirements. Maintain an accurate follow‑up system to review cases when needed. Perform other duties as assigned. Requirements Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school and barred in Florida; or Certified Legal Intern (CLI) Certificate – required. Candidates must be eligible for and maintain 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 students or recent law school graduates eligible for CLI certification under Florida Supreme Court rule are welcome to apply; if not currently a CLI at the time of hire, the individual must obtain certification before onboarding. Knowledge of state and federal court practices required. Some knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for clients. Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects and colleagues. Good organizational, interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively, yet independently. Must be able to effectively and efficiently maximize existing resources. Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint). Knowledge of CMS is a plus. Must be able to effectively work in high‑pressure situations involving deadlines. Bilingual Spanish/Haitian Creole preferred but not required. Attorney applicants are required to submit a writing sample. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities – Paralegal High School diploma or GED. Paralegal degree or certification preferred. Fluent in English and Spanish or Haitian Creole is preferred. Working conditions This position operates in a professional work environment. Physical requirements This is a largely sedentary role, however, some lifting of office supplies of up to 20 pounds may be required. Must be able to travel throughout Florida, as needed. Reports No supervisory duties. Monthly progress reports. Salary and Benefits The starting salary for attorneys in this position is $68,000. This is the salary for any law school graduate who has not yet passed the bar. The starting salary for paralegals in position is $38,500. Both salaries are on union scales and adjust upward depending on experience. FRLS offers a very generous benefits package that includes a 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mielegalaid