The Community Justice Project (CJP) seeks a public benefits lawyer to do statewide policy advocacy and targeted individual case work.  

CJP is a statewide legal aid program and part of Pennsylvania’s Legal Aid Network (PLAN).  Our program does not receive federal Legal Services Corporation (LSC) funding and, thus, is not subject to LSC restrictions. We focus on impact advocacy that includes class action and other litigation, policy advocacy, and individual case representation on behalf of low-income Pennsylvania residents.  This work encompasses a wide range of subject areas, including civil rights, employment, housing, community development, consumer, immigration, immigrant rights, and public benefits. CJP works with local legal aid programs across the state, but it also does its own outreach, focusing on immigrant communities, from our offices in Reading, Hazleton, Scranton, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh.

CJP has an opening for a public benefits lawyer to do state-level policy advocacy and targeted individual case work involving a range of benefit programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and subsidized childcare.  Historically, we have focused, within these programs, on access to adult and higher education opportunities that can serve as a pathway out of poverty for low-income families.

Our public benefits advocacy also includes supervising and assisting our immigrants’ rights outreach paralegals in Reading, Hazleton, Scranton, and Pittsburgh with their work helping families navigate complex rules governing immigrant access to public benefits. Many of these families are Limited English Proficient and, for that reason, our public benefits position also includes language access advocacy.

A demonstrated commitment to the low-income client community is essential to this work.  This position can be based out of any of CJP’s offices, and hybrid work options are available.

Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and writing sample to Marielle Macher at mmacher@cjplaw.org.

Salary is commensurate with experience.  CJP’s entry level salary for barred attorneys is $64,500.

The Community Justice Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer.