Supervising Social Security Attorney

Position Purpose: The Supervising Attorney will oversee UPLC’s Social Security program and lead the drive in the statewide expansion of UPLC’s InReach Project – which seeks to assist and represent individuals in custody with applications for benefits prior to their release from custody and advocates for the state of Illinois to adopt Social Security application assistance as a core pillar of its re-entry programming.

Position Responsibilities: This position will report to the Legal Director. The position will coordinate and supervise the Social Security attorneys and paralegals, handle a docket of individual cases, and work partner agencies to expand UPLC’s InReach Program.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Supervise and train staff attorneys and paralegals working on Social Security cases.
• Act as lead attorney on up to 20 individual cases, which includes the review of medical records, drafting briefs, and appearing in administrative hearings.
• Build and maintain working relationships with incarcerated individuals, other advocacy groups, the Illinois state government, and the Social Security Administration with the goal to expand the statewide reach of UPLC’s InReach Program.
• Help develop innovative strategies to further the mission of Uptown People’s Law Center and meet the legal needs of our clients.
• Participate, along with the Executive Director, Legal Director, and all staff, in case development and selection.
• Carry out special projects and other directives as assigned by the Executive Director and Legal Director
• Work with other staff to build the UPLC’s capacity through outreach, communications and fundraising

Qualifications:

• J.D., licensed to practice law in Illinois, or with the ability to become licensed in Illinois within a reasonable time
• 7-10 years experience as a licensed attorney, with a minimum of 5 years experience in Social Security and disability law.
• Ability to work effectively with both UPLC clients, many of whom have experienced trauma and/or crisis, and community partners.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and draft quality written arguments.
• Cross-cultural competencies and self-awareness around issues of power, privilege, and difference

Travel Requirements: Ability to drive and be available for out-of-town travel, primarily to mid-state prisons, approximately once a month.

UPLC provides paid individual healthcare, a retirement contribution and generous paid time off policies (sick, personal days, vacation, holidays).

Strong English skills required. Spanish would be helpful, but not required.