Provides legal assistance to clients of the Public Benefits and General Services Unit, especially the Veterans Advocacy Project of AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly. Provides representation predominantly before the Department of Veteran Affairs and other governmental agencies, and litigation before administrative courts. Representation involves civil matters of older DC residents, especially veterans.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Provides direct representation, information, advice, counsel, referral, and guidance in a variety of civil matters involving older DC residents especially veterans, including, but not limited to, VA pensions, debts to the VA, service-related disability claims, survivor’s benefits, and other general public benefits matters related to income maintenance (e.g. Social Security, SSI, and SSDI).
- Collaborates with attorneys in the Housing Unit on cases involving Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers.
- Develops in-house referrals for systemic law reform projects related to older DC residents especially veterans. Participates on committees with other legal services advocates, social workers, professionals, clients, and community members with the purpose of working on larger policy issues related to older DC residents especially veterans.
- Effectively administers assigned cases and ensures that client issues are identified and resolved promptly, efficiently, and in an organized manner.
- Prepares educational materials, grant reports, trainings, and participates in community outreach as needed.
- Maintains accurate, contemporaneous, and complete records and notes in the case management system concerning cases handled.
- Provides guidance to, refers assignments and monitors work of volunteers and interns on assigned cases. Provides back-up support and technical assistance to the legal hotline, outreach programs, pro bono panel, long-term care ombudsman program, and other staff attorneys. Handles other projects as assigned.
- Attends training courses and conferences related to the work of the Veterans Advocacy Project and other public benefits trainings as needed.
- Possesses a demonstrated interest in public interest law and especially service to Veterans.
Educational Background:
Completion of a Juris Doctorate degree. Current D.C. Bar or eligibility to waive into the DC Bar,
Skills/Experience:
- At least 3+ years of directly related experience representing veterans in benefits cases, and general public benefits related experience.
- Accredited to practice before the Veterans Administration or eligible to seek accreditation. Willingness to work with volunteers. Foreign language skills a plus. Past military service a plus.
Compensation/Benefits:
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.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Aug 20 2018
Active Until:
Sep 20 2018
Hiring Organization:
AARP
industry:
Nonprofit