Supervising Attorney (CBEST) - Economic Stability Workgroup

About the Position Are you interested in joining an organization dedicated to increasing access to justice while addressing systemic inequities among the most vulnerable members of the Greater Los Angeles area? If yes, LAFLA is the place for you! The Organization LAFLA is a nonprofit law firm that protects and advances the rights of the most underserved—leveling the playing field and ensuring that everyone can have access to the justice system. Celebrating 95 years of service to Los Angeles communities, LAFLA is the first and most experienced legal aid organization in Greater Los Angeles. LAFLA has more than 200 employees, including more than 100 attorneys, who provide free services and resources on a broad range of civil legal issues that impact healthy, safety, and self-sufficiency. Every year, LAFLA helps more than 100,000 people find their voice, regain control of their lives, and build a brighter future. Our unique combination of neighborhood offices, self-help centers at courthouses, and domestic violence clinics puts LAFLA on the frontlines in communities at the forefront of change. LAFLA also engages in impact litigation to help enact long-term systemic change—actively collaborating with a network of public and private partners to expand access to justice, identify needs in the communities we serve, and change laws and policies that adversely affect the underserved. For more information, please visit The Workgroup: The Economic Stability Workgroup ESWG helps people obtain benefits to fulfill basic needs (food, shelter, medical care, and services to attain self-sufficiency); fights wage theft and denial of unemployment insurance benefits; and advises on wrongful terminations and discriminatory employment practices. ESWG also helps people who cannot afford to repay their student loans due to disability or who have attended for-profit colleges that engaged in predatory, deceptive, or illegal practices. In addition to direct service, ESWG engages in policy advocacy and impact litigation to address systemic problems. The Position LAFLA is currently accepting applications for the position of Supervising Attorney. The supervising attorney will oversee ESWG’s CBEST work, consisting of Social Security disability appeals (primarily SSDI/SSI), CAPI disability appeals, overpayments, and other complex post-eligibility issues. In addition to carrying a direct CBEST caseload and overseeing staff attorney work product, the Supervising Attorney will handle periodic administrative duties on the CBEST grant and handle internal administrative tasks for several staff attorneys and support staff. The Supervising Attorney will also organize and lead training opportunities and coordinate appropriate policy advocacy opportunities. NOTE – This position is part of a special program created using designated funds. There is no assurance of ongoing funding or employment beyond 12 months. Qualifications Active membership in the California State Bar with more than 4 years experience; Demonstrated commitment to serving the needs of low-income people; Litigation experience, including case evaluation, legal research and writing, discovery, negotiations, and administrative hearing or trial experience preferred; Substantial experience with disability claims in Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance and Cash Assistance for Immigrants programs; Familiarity with government benefits programs such as General Relief and other public assistance programs; Previous public interest experience preferred; and Willingness to work beyond a minimum 7.5 hour workday, including evening and weekend meetings and events, and workweeks in excess of 35 hours when caseload or other obligations so necessitate. Examples of Duties Serve as the project coordinator for a County grant to represent clients in disability benefit appeals; Train, mentor and provide on-going guidance to junior staff members on SSI, SSDI and CAPI appeal cases; Carry a caseload of SSI, SSDI and CAPI appeal cases; Assist with grant reporting requirements; Assess merit for representation based on extensive review of medical records and other documents; and Assist disabled and low-income clients with obtaining or maintaining Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income or CAPI benefits through negotiation with the Social Security Administration and the Disability Determination Services agency, representation at administrative appeals or litigation in federal court. PROBATIONARY PERIOD A one year probationary period will be required. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Selection will be based solely on merit and will be without discrimination because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, marital or registered domestic partners status, or any other legally protected status. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees pursuant to applicable law. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process or expect to require an accommodation if hired, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION LAFLA offers a diverse environment with competitive compensation based on comparable public interest salaries. We also offer a generous benefits package for full-time employees including medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, life insurance, long-term disability and long-term care insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan. Employees may also qualify for bilingual supplements, law student loan reimbursements, and a cell phone stipend. COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEE WELLNESS Due to the mission driven nature of the organization, LAFLA is committed to a healthy work-life balance for all staff. In addition to a hybrid work schedule and robust benefits package, LAFLA staff enjoy wellness related benefits and employee assistance programs through our offered medical plans, as well as Wellness Friday video sessions, a wellness content library, 15 LAFLA observed holidays, and generous time off benefits. SUSTAINABLE HYBRID WORK SCHEDULE LAFLA has recently adopted a sustainable schedule whereby employees get several Fridays off during the year. Depending on job classifications, some LAFLA staff are working on a manager approved hybrid work schedule, with the ability to work remotely up to half the week, if preferred, after the probationary period. The successful candidate must be local and willing to work from the assigned LAFLA location. #J-18808-Ljbffr Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles