Disability Appeals Staff Attorney

The Mental Health Project of the Urban Justice Center (MHP) seeks a full-time entry- or junior-level Staff Attorney to represent clients with mental illness in appealing the denial of their claims for Social Security disability benefits. 

     Responsibilities include:

-         Working closely with our interdisciplinary team of attorneys, advocates, and social workers to represent Social Security disability claimants with mental illness in administrative hearings and appeals;

-         Maintaining a busy caseload and participating in all aspects of case development and hearing preparation, including intake, requests for medical evidence, written memoranda and oral advocacy;

-         Contributing to the project's systemic advocacy efforts;

-         Participating in federal court litigation as needed;

-         Conducting outreach and trainings for mental health consumers and providers;

-         Supervising volunteers and interns; and

-         Maintaining databases and assisting with grant renewals and reporting.

     Qualifications include:

-         J.D., and up to 3 years of experience practicing law;

-         Knowledge of Social Security benefits programs is preferred;

-         Excellent research, writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills;

-         Efficient and meticulous attention to detail;

-         Communication skills, the ability to maintain confidentiality and to work with people living with mental illness;

-         Ability to work independently, manage a high caseload, stay organized, meet deadlines, and work under pressure;

-         Demonstrated commitment to public interest or pro bono work;

-         Ability to work as a member of a team;

-         Advocacy skills, and the ability to navigate bureaucratic agencies;

-         Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; and

-         Proficiency in Spanish or another foreign language is preferred.

Salary DOE.  Excellent benefits.  To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, references and writing sample to esicilia@urbanjustice.org.  Please write "Disability Appeals Staff Attorney" in the email subject line.  Due to high volume, we are unable to respond to all applicants and will contact only those candidates selected for further consideration. 

This is a bargaining unit position represented for collective bargaining purposes by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW, Local 2230.

The Urban Justice Center is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.