Position Title: FSAC ATTORNEY
Department: Family Support & Advocacy Center (FSAC)
Reports to: FSAC Managing Attorney
Job Type: Full‑time, Contract
Salary: $93,900 to $118,946 annually
This position is grant funded for a 2‑year period with the possibility of extension contingent on funding. The Los Angeles‑based Attorney will provide advocacy and guidance to clients regarding the child welfare process and their rights as parents, working with DCFS to keep families together and prevent separation or dependency petitions.
Responsibilities
- Advocate and guide clients concerning the child welfare process and parental rights.
- Proactively engage clients to encourage interaction with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to prevent family separation.
- Collaborate with Parent Support Case Managers and the Managing Attorney to assess needs.
- Develop individualized action plans for parents.
- Offer direct legal support on housing, government benefits, probate, family law (particularly domestic violence), health, mental health, and related issues.
- Provide referrals to other legal service organizations when necessary.
- Engage with low‑income communities, attend events, and present trainings.
- Leverage legal expertise to navigate complex issues.
- Ensure clients understand their rights within the child welfare system.
- Implement preventive measures to keep families together.
- Stay informed of evolving social dynamics and adapt services accordingly.
Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years of legal experience, a Juris Doctor degree, and good standing in the State Bar of California.
- 2–3 years of experience in dependency, housing, government benefits, probate, family law (especially domestic violence), health, mental health, or related fields.
- Working knowledge of the Los Angeles County child welfare system.
- Cultural competence with a diverse client population.
- Excellent oral and written communication and professional demeanor.
- Strong time management, accountability, problem‑solving, principled decision‑making, and critical‑thinking abilities.
- Highest ethical and professional conduct; maintain relationships with clients, service providers, and child welfare professionals.
- Valid California driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and auto insurance while employed.
Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Company‑sponsored medical, dental, and life insurance.
- Up to 6% employer‑matched retirement plan.
- Generous parental leave and additional leave options.
- Fitness and wellness program.
- Health Care & Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account.
- Transit and parking benefits.
- Professional Development funds for employees in good standing with at least two years of service.
- Flexible working environment (depending on position requirements).
- Paid vacation, sick, and holiday time.
- Children’s Law Center pays current year’s mandatory bar dues for attorneys actively employed on that date and with no intention of leaving within 30 days; this also applies to new admitted attorneys under the same conditions.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Children’s Law Center of California is committed to fair and welcoming practices in recruitment, hiring, promotion, and retention. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, ancestry, military status, veteran status, protected veteran status, genetics, or any other legally protected group status or characteristic. Reasonable accommodations are available; please contact HRdepartment@clccal.org for further assistance.