Paralegal

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.

Seeking a veteran or direct dependent of a veteran and an accredited Paralegal (BA/AA) for this position.  Provide copies of DD-214, direct family member DD-214, and your certifications.  We are seeking someone to fill a full time (40 hour) position.  

• Under the supervision of the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Senior Veteran Service Officer (SVSO), Veteran Service Officer In Charge (VSOIC), and the Veteran Service Officer (VSO) you will advocate for veterans and their immediate families or survivors to ensure receipt of benefits available from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) including but not limited to, Service Disability Claims, VA Pension Claims, Survivor Claims, Education Benefits, employment training, and Healthcare. 
• The Paralegal will advise staff on Illinois, National, and Veterans’ Laws, Statutes, perform legal research, educate staff, and provide technical assistance for the filing of claims under Title 38 United States Code and 38 Code of Federal Regulations as well as county and state benefits, where applicable. Has a thorough knowledge of veteran federal and state laws, statutes, rules, and regulations. Develops working relationships with applicable federal, state and county departments and agencies. Performs research and investigation of the prior claim decisions made by the agency of primary responsibility and reviews the findings and decisions for possible appeal. Maintains a working relationship with veterans’ organizations (at county, district, state, and national levels), and staff. 
• Is essential to the ‘VA claims flow’ process and ensures the timeliness of evidence is gathered, provided, and submitted with claims. 

• Understand and apply the guidance of Illinois Military Veterans Assistance Act (MVAA), Open Meetings Act (OMA), and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
• Research medical conditions and assist with lay statements from spouses, military buddies, family members or nexus letters from physicians or other sources to support the claim or appeal.
• Ensure that all timelines are met so the veteran does not lose any potential benefits.
• Ensure veterans, dependents, and widows in the county are aware of State and Federal laws and statues. 
• Apply for correction of military records or an upgrade of character of separation from the service.
• Investigate history of unit, through Department of Defense, Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC), to prove that veteran was in combat zone, or a specific battle, to qualify for specific benefits.
• Work with County/State Human Services Department to maximize ALL potential benefits.
• Must be proficient in the use of various computer programs including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, VetraSpec, PowerPoint, and OnBase.
• Keep current on legislative and legal actions of federal and state veteran benefits.
• Maintain annual certification and performs required training required by the ABA and DVA.
• Appear before County Veteran Service Organizations and community organizations to brief members on current information concerning veterans’ laws and statutes. 
• Maintain confidential records in accordance with data privacy laws and HIPPA.
• Assist in compiling reports of office activities.
• Perform other duties as requested by senior management.
• Prepare DVA Forms, correspondence, and documents for senior staff.  
• Provide claim updates to veterans, their families, or widows as told by senior staff.

• The employee must have considerable knowledge with case law of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC), Unites States Court of Federal Claims, and Supreme Court of The United States (SCOTUS).
• The employee must have access to and be intimately familiar with the Illinois General Assembly website.
• Must be familiar with veteran legislation and legislative issues that affect veterans and their families.
• Basic knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology, basic military knowledge, legal writing skills, peer support or counseling experience, previous experience in not-for profit sector, and prefer previous employment with veterans’ organizations or Local, State or Federal agencies. 
• Must have intimate knowledge of the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA), timelines to submit appeals, and Legacy appeals. 
• The employee must have a working knowledge of The Merck Manual, medical terminology, symptoms, diagnoses, and occupational consequences of common diseases and disabilities that veterans may experience.
• Must have considerable knowledge of up-to-date office methods and procedures.
• The employee must have excellent legal writing, spelling skills, composition, punctuation, letter and report style skills.
• The employee must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• The employee must be familiar with the Veterans Benefit Manual, Federal Veterans Laws, Rules, and Regulations, 38 CFR, M-21 Manual, and Military Discharge Upgrade Manual.  
• The employee must be able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Must be capable of responding to common inquiries or complaints from clients, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• The employee shall possess the ability to work with limited supervision.
• The candidate should have general knowledge of developing and processing claims, developing budgets, and working with various military service organizations and legislative groups.
• Requires considerable knowledge of office practices and techniques; records tracking, and operation of the office is required; laws affecting the work of the assigned division or department; specialized terminology of the division, department or office to which assigned.  

Education and/or Other Requirements:

• Education must be from an accredited college or university approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
• Minimum of an Associate's degree in paralegal studies. 
• Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies preferred, but not required.
• Legal work experience preferred but not required.
• Experience in veterans law preferred but not required.
• Maintains all accreditations, certifications and required CLEs.

• The employee must be a citizen of the United States. 
• A veteran, defined as any person who has been separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces of the United States after having served on active duty for at least 180 consecutive days, or by reason of disability incurred while serving on active duty.  
• If not a veteran, must be a Dependent of an Honorably Discharged Veteran following the same requirements as above (spouse or biological child).
• Must be willing and able to travel locally or out of state for at least a week, possibly one to two times per year.   
• Attire is expected to be business casual and formal attire for certain outreach events or meetings.
• Must have a valid driver’s license. 
• Must have reliable transportation and be punctual.  Must be able to attend outreach events occasionally including evenings and weekends when required.
• Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package.  We also offer flexible work hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. 
• Visit our website at vaclc.org to obtain additional information about what our team does.  
• Employment is contingent on successful completion of a drug and alcohol screening and may include a pre-employment medical exam, formal background investigation, completing VACLC house training, and completing VACLC six-to-twelve-month probationary period.    
• VACLC is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). 
• We recruit, employ, pay, and promote qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity, expression, or presentation, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other legally protected status.

Physical Requirements:

• Requires light work involving standing or walking some of the time, exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a regular basis, and moderate dexterity in operating machinery, tools, or office equipment.

Salary : $23 - $26