Job Description

The Public Benefits Paralegal supports attorneys and advocates by assisting clients with accessing and maintaining government benefit programs. This role involves interviewing clients, completing benefit applications, gathering documentation, conducting legal research, and helping prepare for administrative hearings. The Public Benefits Paralegal plays a vital role in ensuring low-income individuals and families receive the services and support they are eligible for.

Key Responsibilities

• Interview clients to assess eligibility for public benefits such as Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, TANF, SSI/SSDI, housing subsidies, and unemployment assistance.

• Assist clients with completing applications, renewals, appeals, and supporting documentation.

• Conduct legal research on public benefit regulations, eligibility standards, and procedural requirements.

• Communicate with government agencies, healthcare providers, and community partners to obtain necessary records.

• Prepare case summaries, correspondence, affidavits, and other legal documents for attorney review.

• Track deadlines, hearing dates, and follow-ups to ensure timely submission of materials.

• Support attorneys in administrative hearings by preparing exhibits and evidence packets.

• Maintain client files, case management databases, and documentation in accordance with confidentiality rules.

• Provide client education on rights, responsibilities, and benefit program procedures.

• Participate in community outreach events, workshops, or intake clinics as needed.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of public benefit programs (state and federal), eligibility rules, and administrative processes.

• Strong interviewing, case management, and client-service skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and documentation abilities.

• Ability to work with diverse populations and individuals facing crisis or barriers to service.

• Proficiency with case management systems and common office software.

• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Education & Experience

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies, Social Work, Public Administration, or related field.

• Paralegal certification preferred but not required.

• Experience in legal aid, social services, community advocacy, or public benefits programs is highly desirable.

Ascendo is a certified minority owned staffing firm, and we welcome and celebrate diversity. Ascendo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Contact information

Hakeem Peterson