SOAR Paralegal

Organizational Information:

The Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP) exists to meet the legal and advocacy needs of homeless individuals and families in Philadelphia. With a staff of 16 lawyers, paralegals, and administrators, along with a corps of over 350 volunteer legal professionals, HAP engages in direct outreach to individuals who are experiencing homelessness and who are in need of legal services.

Position Description:

HAP is seeking a full-time paralegal with a minimum of two years of experience, either in public interest law, disability-related law, or social work. Paralegal will be expected to handle a full caseload of clients who are applying for Social Security Disability benefits through HAP’s fast-track SOAR Project, with appropriate training and support provided. Under the supervision of HAP staff, paralegal will:

• Establish and maintain respectful, trusting and responsive relationships with clients throughout the duration of disability claim (3-6 months)
• Obtain and review evidence of disability, including medical records and third party testimony, in order to evaluate a client’s disabling conditions according to SSA’s criteria
• File social security disability claims and all associated paperwork
• Advocate on behalf of clients in writing and over the phone with SSA and Disability Determination Services representatives
• Maintain a caseload of SOAR cases at various stages of the disability claim process
• Assist with client intake and in the delivery of other legal services that HAP provides, including at our various legal clinics

Minimum Requirements:

• Graduate of an accredited four-year college or university
• Excellent written, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Understanding and sensitivity to issues of people experiencing homelessness, living with mental illness, and in recovery from addiction
• Commitment to racial, gender and social justice

Preferred Requirements:

• Familiarity with Philadelphia’s social services landscape
• Working understanding of mental health disorders
• Experience navigating bureaucratic government agencies and/or health management information systems
• Spanish speaking is a plus

How to Apply:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. In order to receive full consideration, candidates are urged to submit their materials ASAP but no later than April 18, 2025. Please include a current resume and a letter detailing your interest in the position, your qualifications, and what you hope to contribute to the organization.

Materials should be submitted electronically to pmcneil@haplegal.org in Microsoft Word or pdf format to the attention of Patrick McNeil, SOAR Project Director.

Salary is commensurate with experience based on a competitive public interest salary scale. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, term life, short and long term disability, 403(b) retirement plan, and generous paid time off and holidays.

No Phone Calls, Recruiters, or Drop-ins Please.

Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, citizenship, genetic information, or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $54,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Philadelphia, PA (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Philadelphia, PA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Philadelphia, PA

Salary : $50,000 - $54,000