Legal Aid Society of San Diego
SSI Advocate – Legal Aid Society of San Diego
Under the supervision of the Managing Attorney, Supervising Attorney, and Assistant Program Manager, represent clients applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
Essential Functions
Conduct intake and follow‑up interviews of applicants and clients in the office, on the phone, and at outreach locations.
Prepare forms and gather documentation for submission to the Social Security Administration.
Request, evaluate, and submit medical evidence.
Conduct basic and routine factual investigation and legal research.
Prepare memoranda, letters, and standard legal documents.
Regularly update clients on case statuses.
Develop and maintain good working relationships with healthcare providers and government and social service agencies.
Assist with community outreach and education.
Perform additional duties as needed to meet program objectives.
Ensure compliance with all program and grant requirements, team policies, and organization‑wide policies.
Other duties as assigned by the Managing Attorney and/or Executive Management.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, or demonstrated equivalent experience with strong writing, verbal, reading, analytical, and research skills.
Ability to gather and complete information from clients via telephone or in‑person interviews using trauma‑informed techniques.
Calm, empathetic, and professional client communication, with the ability to direct conversation toward pertinent issues.
Ability to work independently while supporting team efforts, strategically planning to meet grant deliverables and reporting requirements.
Reliable transportation.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills to handle a high‑volume caseload.
Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Fluency in written and spoken Spanish preferred.
Experience as an advocate or paralegal, including intake, interviews, and research related to legal issues.
Experience in client customer service with understanding of related systems, laws, and regulations.
Commitment to serving low‑income people.
Ability to work successfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
Pay and Benefits The SSI Advocate position is an hourly role with a pay range of $21.98 – $30.77, starting at $25.28 per hour. A bilingual pay increase of 2 % is awarded for passing an oral test, and another 2 % for a written test in threshold languages other than English.
LASSD offers a generous benefits package: a 35‑hour workweek, paid vacation and sick leave, 100 % employer‑paid medical premium, 50 % employer‑paid premium for dependents, dental, vision, and life benefits, a 403(b) retirement plan, dependent and health flexible savings accounts, a law‑school loan repayment program, and eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
LASSD is an equal‑opportunity employer. We hire without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other status protected by state or federal law.
Hybrid Work Environment Most staff are required to work in the office part of the week and may work remotely for the remainder of the week, provided job duties allow. Employees must be able to travel to LASSD offices and service locations throughout San Diego County as needed. Applicants must reside near San Diego County or be willing to relocate prior to the start date and must be able to commute to the office locations within the county. Business hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with flexible scheduling to the extent feasible. LASSD reserves the right to alter policies at any time.
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Essential Functions
Conduct intake and follow‑up interviews of applicants and clients in the office, on the phone, and at outreach locations.
Prepare forms and gather documentation for submission to the Social Security Administration.
Request, evaluate, and submit medical evidence.
Conduct basic and routine factual investigation and legal research.
Prepare memoranda, letters, and standard legal documents.
Regularly update clients on case statuses.
Develop and maintain good working relationships with healthcare providers and government and social service agencies.
Assist with community outreach and education.
Perform additional duties as needed to meet program objectives.
Ensure compliance with all program and grant requirements, team policies, and organization‑wide policies.
Other duties as assigned by the Managing Attorney and/or Executive Management.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, or demonstrated equivalent experience with strong writing, verbal, reading, analytical, and research skills.
Ability to gather and complete information from clients via telephone or in‑person interviews using trauma‑informed techniques.
Calm, empathetic, and professional client communication, with the ability to direct conversation toward pertinent issues.
Ability to work independently while supporting team efforts, strategically planning to meet grant deliverables and reporting requirements.
Reliable transportation.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills to handle a high‑volume caseload.
Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Fluency in written and spoken Spanish preferred.
Experience as an advocate or paralegal, including intake, interviews, and research related to legal issues.
Experience in client customer service with understanding of related systems, laws, and regulations.
Commitment to serving low‑income people.
Ability to work successfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
Pay and Benefits The SSI Advocate position is an hourly role with a pay range of $21.98 – $30.77, starting at $25.28 per hour. A bilingual pay increase of 2 % is awarded for passing an oral test, and another 2 % for a written test in threshold languages other than English.
LASSD offers a generous benefits package: a 35‑hour workweek, paid vacation and sick leave, 100 % employer‑paid medical premium, 50 % employer‑paid premium for dependents, dental, vision, and life benefits, a 403(b) retirement plan, dependent and health flexible savings accounts, a law‑school loan repayment program, and eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
LASSD is an equal‑opportunity employer. We hire without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other status protected by state or federal law.
Hybrid Work Environment Most staff are required to work in the office part of the week and may work remotely for the remainder of the week, provided job duties allow. Employees must be able to travel to LASSD offices and service locations throughout San Diego County as needed. Applicants must reside near San Diego County or be willing to relocate prior to the start date and must be able to commute to the office locations within the county. Business hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with flexible scheduling to the extent feasible. LASSD reserves the right to alter policies at any time.
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