Social Worker

About the role

Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time Social Worker to join its Client Support Services department (CSS). CSS staff are part of an interdisciplinary legal services model, working with attorneys and paralegals to provide holistic services to clients, increasing their stability and improving and sustaining their legal outcomes. This position primarily focuses on housing advocacy, eviction defense, and/or supporting nursing home residents seeking disability benefits as they transition back into the community. The role may also include supporting clients across a diverse range of legal issues and community-based needs. The Social Worker reports to the Director of Client Support Services and requires residency in the Chicago metropolitan area of Illinois or Northwest Indiana. This position may require travel to court or other outreach events.

Legal Aid Chicago’s downtown office is ADA accessible, located at 200 N. LaSalle Street, with convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. The organization offers a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities

• Assess client needs and link them to appropriate services, such as rental assistance, self-help services, community mental health services, job and housing services.
• Advocate for and support clients’ interactions with service providers, caseworkers, and others, including independent review of reports, treatment plans, and other materials issued by social services agencies.
• Consult with Legal Aid Chicago attorneys and staff on behalf of clients, including analysis of social work and mental health issues impacting clients, and identification of services to resolve issues arising during legal representation.
• Conduct follow-up with other agencies and service providers to ensure compliance with agreed-upon or court-ordered services and treatment.
• Participate in case acceptance and case evaluation meetings with legal staff.
• Assist other staff in making informed decisions about case management issues, including assessing a client’s capacity to benefit from proposed services.
• Conduct independent research on issues relating to clients’ needs and other social service issues, as well as social science research to assist legal staff in understanding larger, systemic issues impacting the client population.
• Conduct in-house training and education for staff on mental health, social work, and other relevant issues.
• Participate in community legal education for client groups and service providers.
• Supervise social work internship students.
• Maintain case files and accurate timekeeping in the electronic case management system.
• Assist with grant reporting, as applicable.
• Perform other duties as reasonably related to the position and assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

• This position is part of the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320, with compensation determined by the CBA salary scale based on paid experience.
• Budgeted salary range: $65,803–$71,001 (reflecting 0–10 years of paid, credited experience).
• Bilingual Social Workers are eligible for an additional stipend.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment.
  • Time off: 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment.
  • 19 paid holidays, including four (4) floating holidays.
  • Twelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of salary after six months of employment.
  • 403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution after one year of employment.
  • $50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no cost.
  • Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost.
  • Monthly internet stipend.
• Legal Aid Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program.