Business Unit Description
Founded in 1975, Legal Counsel for the Elderly champions the dignity and rights of vulnerable Washington, D.C. seniors, 60 and older, providing free legal and social work services to those in need — empowering, defending and protecting.
LCE staff help 6,000+ clients each year in many areas of civil law. Attorneys represent seniors facing foreclosures, evictions, and consumer fraud. LCE handles Medicaid and Social Security cases, provides benefits checkups to assure that seniors and Veterans are receiving the benefits they are due, prepares Wills and Powers of Attorney, and educates elders in ways to avoid Medicare and Medicaid fraud. Clients come to LCE directly through the LCE Legal Hotline, they are referred by partner organizations and the courts, and LCE attorneys, plus its more than 800 volunteers, are regularly in the community meeting elders at senior centers and faith-based organizations. LCE also accommodates homebound seniors by providing legal services in their homes.
LCE houses the office of the D.C. Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates on behalf of seniors in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and those receiving home health care. LCE has a strong relationship with a number of pro bono law firms that assist staff with approximately 600 cases a year. LCE staff testify and make recommendations regarding laws before the D.C. Council that affect seniors, and have been instrumental in bettering conditions for D.C. seniors through assistance with local legislation. More than 40 years after its founding, LCE continues to develop innovative, cost-effective ways to deliver legal services, serving as a model for organizations around the country. LCE is incorporated as a 501(c) (3) and is an affiliate of AARP.
Summary Statement
Provides timely and accurate legal information, legal advice, referral, self-help materials, guidance in initiating actions or defending actions taken against clients, and other telephone assistance to callers involving a full range of legal areas, a high volume, and a wide variety of civil matters involving older District of Columbia residents.
Responsibilities
1. Provides legal advice, information, referrals, self-help materials, guidance, and other legal assistance to clients.
2. Documents all client contacts regarding the substance of the legal problem in a timely manner. Maintains accurate and complete records concerning cases handled.
3. Assists other Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) office staff, volunteers, and paralegals with technical assistance, client follow-up, and information gathering.
4. Refers callers, after evaluation and as appropriate, to free or pay legal services within and outside LCE and/or to non-legal social services agencies.
5. Attends continuing legal education courses.
6. Provides back-up support and technical assistance to outreach programs, pro bono panel, long-term care ombudsman program, less experienced staff, and other projects, as assigned.
7. Demonstrates AARP leadership behaviors in all interactions.
Requirements
Completion of a Juris Doctorate degree, a member in good standing of the DC Bar and 4 years of legal experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of the position. Spanish-language skills are desired but not required.
Benefits Offered
AARP offers competitive benefits with a 401K, 100% company funded pension plan, health, dental, vision and life insurance, STD/LTD, paid vacation and sick, and other benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
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