Remote Public Benefits Paralegal

Remote Public Benefits Paralegal, for Civil Legal Aid

Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut (SLS) seeks a paralegal who is excited to help empower low-income people with civil legal needs.   We are looking for someone with the passion and commitment to envision themselves in a long-term career in non-profit legal services, engaging in counseling, service, and advocacy.

SLS is a dynamic remote-services legal aid helpline, providing high quality legal counseling, advice, referrals and self-help opportunities. As a member of the Connecticut Network for Legal Aid, we provide the resources and tools to help our clients understand and resolve life-impacting cases such as public benefit denials and appeals, as well as evictions, domestic violence, and consumer debt-defense issues. Our overall services include outreach, community education, web-based learning tools, and collaborations with social service and legal services providers in all areas of the state.

In the coming months we will be looking to continue our strong commitment to equity and inclusion, and to helping our clients navigate the fast-changing requirements to access, receive and retain public benefit programs, alongside our core values and mission.

Qualifications and Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will have experience in one or more substantive areas that pertain to the legal problems of low-income people, such as social, legal or medical services, government regulations, benefit administration, or legal analysis of civil cases.   The successful candidate will have experience working with people of low-income or marginalized and diverse populations.

Paralegals develop knowledge and a strong understanding of public benefits programs and their interrelationships, apply that knowledge to the clients’ issues, and communicate legal advice clearly and compassionately both verbally and in writing.  Paralegals will be expected to participate in public benefit unit activities.  They may be expected to participate in a project that requires outreach and community legal education if the opportunity presents.  All staff at SLS are encouraged to take a thoughtful and participatory approach to program development as may be needed in order to best serve our clients.

Because of our fast-paced environment, the ideal candidate will already have a basic proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, digital case management or similar systems. SLS moved from an office-based program to remote work during the pandemic. We will continue to offer our services to clients primarily through remote work. SLS provides staff with appropriate equipment and IT services to allow connection to the SLS hotline, case management system, and to all our networked capacities. The candidate must have and maintain sufficient bandwidth.

Meetings and trainings for staff are conducted both in person and remotely, as are SLS projects and outreach events. The candidate should be domiciled in Connecticut.

Spanish oral and literacy proficiency is strongly preferred.

SLS is an Equal Opportunity employer with a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. Our organization is built on a foundation of innovation, collaboration, and fostering a healthy work-life balance. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, ages, ethnicities and gender-identities/neutral to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

SLS offers a generous benefits package including: paid annual, sick and personal leaves above state minimums; health, dental, disability and life insurances; FSA accounts; and 401K with employer contribution.

Compensation is by annual salary, the amount depending on experience within collectively-bargained range.

Please submit a letter of interest and resume to Benefits Unit Managing Attorney Rhoda Micocci, RMicocci@slsct.org.

Please include “Public Benefits Paralegal” in the subject line to ensure consideration.

Deadline for submission: Open until filled.

No phone calls or hard copy letters, please.