VA Paralegal
Parmele Law Firm
Full-time
On-site
Springfield, Missouri, United States
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
- Wellness resources
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: Springfield, MO or Joplin, MO (Remote)
The VA Paralegal job role assists attorneys in working clients’ files as we represent them for compensation benefits before the Veterans Administration. VA Paralegals report to the VA Lead Paralegal and the Director of Hearing Operations. They are responsible for:
- Ensuring we have an accurate and complete record of the client’s medical treatment from both VA and civilian medical providers,
- Assistant attorneys in filing applications and appeals,
- Correctly identifying medical records that need to be requested, along with requesting supporting evidence for the claim beyond the medical record,
- Interacting with legal assistants and other law firm staff, clients, the Veterans Administration, and third parties,
- Partnering with attorneys to develop case files that will win for our clients,
- Correctly documenting interactions with clients, the VA, and third parties in the Firm’s case management software,
- Using the Firm’s case management software to prepare documents for submission, and
- Performing various other duties to meet the needs of the Firm.
Why Should you Work at Parmele Law Firm?
Have you ever wanted to work somewhere were you make a difference? Where you’re a part of a larger team working toward great, common goals? Where your past experiences are welcomed and appreciated? Where you can learn new skills and abilities and face new challenges advocating for those who can’t advocate for themselves?
If you answered “yes” to these questions, then you might be a great fit at Parmele Law Firm! We offer competitive pay, a consistent 8am-5pm Monday through Friday schedule, health insurance, 401(k) with matching contributions, and opportunities for growth in a fun and energetic work environment.
At Parmele Law Firm, we use our knowledge of disability law, along with our compassionate hearts, to zealously advocate for our clients as they pursue disability benefits, and to inspire hope in our communities.
Experience:
Experience in the legal field and knowledge of the Social Security Disability process is preferred for the paralegal role but is not required for a candidate entering the Paralegal role. We can and will teach you what you need to know to help us represent our clients well. Most of our Paralegals started at the Firm in other roles with no prior experience in the legal field, and 99% of our staff were completely new to the world of disability when they started.
The key factors that we look for in Paralegals are the Core Competencies and Skills that will lead them to grow into the role.
Competencies and Skills:
A candidate for the Paralegal should possess the following qualities:
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Planning and Organization: Paralegals at Parmele Law Firm handle an average client load of 200-250 clients as their cases progress over the course of several years. -
Time Management: Paralegals at Parmele Law Firm are self-starters and self-motivators. They work independently with a high level of focus on detail, accuracy, and efficiency, -
Investigative Mindset: Paralegals at Parmele Law Firm are detectives who review documents and interact with clients to find the “why” behind the “what” as they work to win a client’s VA claim. -
Efficiency: Paralegals at Parmele Law Firm complete tasks efficiently while also comprehending the purpose and importance of each task. -
Customer Service: Paralegals at Parmele Law Firm perform their work with a continuous focus on the client, whether they are actively engaging with the client or performing work on the client’s behalf. -
Coachability: Paralegals at Parmele Law Firm are eager to learn and appreciate constructive feedback and coaching. -
Technical Proficiency: Paralegals at Parmele Law Firm are comfortable engaging with various software platforms to perform their duties including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook; they are comfortable learning new technology platforms and catch on quickly. -
Relational: Paralegals at Parmele Law Firm perform their work while also realizing that they are part of a much larger group of people Problem Solver: Paralegals at Parmele Law Firm work alongside attorneys and under a Manager, but they are also able to make independent decisions, calculate risks, and act within the guidelines of the Firm’s policies and operating procedures to solve problems.
Job Duties:
Paralegals carry the responsibility of preparing clients and their hearing files for a hearing. Their job duties include:
- Completing a federal background check that will allow them to access the VA’s internal VBMS electronic system.
- Interacting with clients to obtain all information necessary for the progression of their claim.
- Preparing documentation for attorneys and the Veteran’s Administration.
- Working closely with attorneys to ensure they have everything they need to represent the client before the Veterans Administration.