Description:

Job Functions, Essential Duties, and Responsibilities:
Direct Representation on SOAR Claims:
  • Provide direct representation to people experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia in their social security disability claims under HAP's SOAR Project
  • interview clients, establish rapport, and maintain contact and relationship up until the point of decision (typically 3-6 months)
  • obtain, review, and analyze medical and other supporting records
  • file an average of 3-5 social security disability claims per month, while maintaining a 90% or higher approval rate
  • advocate on behalf of clients in writing and over the phone with disability adjudicators and SSA representatives
  • assist and advise other legal staff with SSI/SOAR-related matters, as needed and/or on regularly scheduled intervals
  • coordinate closely with supervisor and SOAR legal team to identify priorities and potential gaps in service
  • assist with outreach programs and cultivate relationships with our partners in the community
  • provide training and support to case managers and other community partners in SOAR- and broader SSD/SSDI-related matters
  • provide training and support to volunteer attorneys taking SOAR cases and oversee legal practice groups
  • assist in other, non-SOAR matters as needed as HAP, including legal clinics, walk-in coverage, phone coverage, and more

Advocacy and Committee Work:
  • Analyze and respond to federal, state, and local policy initiatives and legislation affecting homelessness.
  • Identify and strategize with the management team on addressing systemic issues that impact persons experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
  • Participate in various committee meetings of the Philadelphia Bar Association and other community coalitions to address issues impacting HAP clients.
  • Work with staff and Board of Directors to determine how and when to respond to such issues.
  • Participate in litigation that serves HAP's mission and goals, as approved by the Board.
  • Assist in the work of the Standards & Monitoring Committee and Advocacy Committee of the HAP Board.

Support the Overall Operation and Management of HAP:
  • Collaborate with staff and Board to develop and implement strategic plans.
  • Speak at law schools, bar functions, other community events about HAP's work and volunteer opportunities.

Fundraising:
  • Pass along grant and other fundraising opportunities to development team when discovered while performing regular job-related duties
  • Assist with identification, development, and writing of success stories to be used for fundraising purposes

COVID-19 considerations:
HAP is currently working remotely and has limited hours in the office. To keep our employees safe, we require masks in the common areas of our office and when social distancing is not possible.

Immediate Supervisor: SOAR Project Director

Reports to: Executive Director

Minimum Requirements:
  • Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA-accredited University and licensed to practice law in PA.
  • Experience engaging with or working on behalf of low-income individuals and disenfranchised communities.
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice
  • Capacity to identify and develop creative solutions to engage and meet the legal needs of hard-to-reach client communities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database case management
  • High level of analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to independently maintain own caseload and provide assistance to volunteers.
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities and work with minimal supervision.
  • Understanding of and sensitivity to issues of low-income and homeless communities.

Preferred Requirements:
  • Experience working on behalf of vulnerable populations.
  • Spanish speaking.