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

Supports the eviction prevention work of the Alternatives to Landlord Tenant Court attorneys and social workers. Assists with client interviews and reaches out to local government agencies on behalf of LCE clients. Provides administrative support to attorneys and social workers.

Responsibilities

Under the guidance of eviction prevention attorney(s) and social workers, handles the following administrative functions for the team:

1. Creates and implements systems for identifying, tracking and contacting potential LCE clients.

2. Handles case management database documentation like case intakes, case opening/closing, case notes, grant reporting, and timekeeping.

3. Engages volunteers who work with unit social workers.

4. Helps clients complete forms and documents and attend appointments with agencies (e.g. for rental assistance applications and rent recertifications with DC Housing Authority and other subsidized landlords).

5. Performs case investigative work, such as gathering evidence, searching records and documents both on line and in person at government agencies, and/or contacting potential clients and witnesses to gather information.

6. Provides other litigation support, such as filing court documents, copying court files, assisting with maintaining document production, and tracking court deadlines.

7. Assists with client outreach.

Requirements

Minimum of completion of an Associates degree, paralegal training, or certificate with relevant training and experience related to the duties of the position. Demonstrated interest in working in a non-profit setting, preferably with low income elders. Degree in psychology or social work, or demonstrated relevant experience, preferred. Spanish speaking and District of Columbia notary public are a plus.

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.