Disability Benefits Attorney

Community Legal Aid (CLA) is the non-profit legal services program providing free civil legal assistance to low-income and elderly residents of central and western Massachusetts. CLA has over 150 dedicated, talented staff working across multiple offices. Our core work includes effective client-centered advocacy and robust outreach to and partnerships with our client communities.CLA seeks an attorney to work in its Disability Benefits unit. This position will be based in one of CLA's central or western Mass. offices. The attorney will assist clients seeking to obtain or maintain SSDI, SSI, and SSP benefits. The attorney will also conduct community outreach and education and will assist in the preparation of periodic grant reports. Full-time hours preferred but part-time negotiable.QUALIFICATIONS: Law students currently in their third year of law school, recent law school graduates, and more experienced attorneys are eligible to apply. Prior experience advocating at administrative agencies and working on Social Security issues is a plus. Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish is preferred. Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities, strong interpersonal skills, and an ability to work in a collaborative setting are important.COMPENSATION: The starting salary for this position is $71,500. Starting salaries are based on a union scale and adjusted upward depending on experience. CLA offers a very generous benefits package that includes 401(k) with employer-paid contribution; low-cost health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents; paid leave (4 weeks vacation, 3 personal days, 12 sick days, and 13 holidays); and relocation stipend.APPLICATION PROCESS: Please apply online. Alternatively, you can submit your cover letter and resume to: Alicia Vaughan, HR Director, Community Legal Aid, 370 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608, or email avaughan@cla-ma.org. This position will be based in Worcester, Greenfield, or Springfield. Your cover letter should address if you are interested in all locations and whether you have a preference.CLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to ensure that our staff members reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. CLA encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

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