Managing Attorney

National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Vacation hours

Commuter checks

Long-term disability insurance under consideration

Job summary

A nonprofit legal advocacy organization in San Francisco is seeking a supervisory attorney with at least 10 years of relevant experience in civil rights. The role involves managing staff, overseeing disability rights issues, and ensuring high-quality advocacy. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and a passion for the mission. This is primarily an on-site position with a full-time salary range of $90,000 to $110,000, plus benefits offered after 90 days.

Qualifications

• Must be a licensed California attorney with at least 10 years of experience, especially in civil rights nonprofit work.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Management experience in leading teams is critical.

Responsibilities

• Provide program management leadership and support for changing beneficiary needs.
• Stay updated on mental health and disability issues.
• Ensure fiscal management and administrative support for organizational growth.
• Recruit and manage staff, promoting teamwork.

Skills

Results-oriented

Organizational skills

Exceptional communication

Detail-oriented writing

Management experience

Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Education

Licensed California attorney

10 years of relevant experience

Job description

Compensation

Base salary of $90,000 to $110,000 for full‑time (35 hours per week), DOE. Benefits include health and dental insurance, vacation hours, commuter checks, etc., after 90 days. PWDF is considering long‑term disability insurance benefits. Six‑month probation. This is an on‑site position. Part‑time and hybrid arrangements are considered; candidates wishing to apply under those terms should indicate so in the cover letter. Salary for part‑time will be pro‑rated.

Duties

1. General supervisory attorney responsible for supervising and/or advising staff attorneys and the program manager. Must produce results within 12 months to continue in the position.
2. Oversee disability rights issues, including representation in federal court; social security/SSI disability, employment, education, health care, housing, and related subjects.
3. Oversee the legal aspects of seminars, trainings, e‑newsletter, training videos, and guest speaking.
4. Remain updated on both law and psychiatry, e.g., by reading monthly published studies in the APA monthly publication.
5. Prepare advocacy reports for Board meetings.
6. Represent PWDF in vendor contracts and HR matters.
7. Communicate and coordinate with other organizations serving the target population.
8. Attend and fulfill duties for occasional liaison meetings, which may be called without notice.
9. Monitor income and expenses as necessary and prepare reports related to the advocacy side of the agency.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be results‑oriented, highly organized, and capable of working and communicating in diverse communities. They must be reliable, flexible, and able to meet administrative deadlines while collaborating with bookkeeping staff, program managers, attorneys, paralegals, and legal assistants. Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required. Candidates must be committed to providing advocacy for people primarily, but not exclusively, with mental and/or developmental disabilities (DD) and must be enthusiastic about advancing PWDF’s mission.

Additional qualifications

Required:

• Licensed California attorney with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, e.g., civil rights nonprofit experience and litigation in federal court.
• Exceptional communication skills and clear, detail‑oriented writing ability.
• Management experience and a record of achievement in leading teams.
• Preferred but not mandatory: Experience with Social Security/SSI disability, employment, health care, housing, Medicare, Medi‑Cal, and post‑secondary education.

Responsibilities

Program Management Leadership and Support: plan for periodic review and modification of programs to meet the continuously changing needs of beneficiaries and to meet the organization’s fiscal responsibility goal. Continue to develop collaborative programs with other agencies and inspire staff to achieve high levels of quality and customer service.

Current affairs and research requirement; responsible for keeping abreast of mental health and disability issues, e.g., staying up‑to‑date on relevant health‑care articles and government agency reports.

Fiscal Management: ensure internal support for the organization’s growth in key areas such as technology, human resources, and attorney fees.

Administrative Management: maintain a cooperative culture, open and frequent communication, and teamwork. Foster an environment that maximizes employee growth and retention.

Human Resources: recruit, train, manage, and evaluate staff to ensure optimal resource use and effective organizational systems.

Other duties as requested.

To apply: email cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to Steven Bruce, Legal Director, at [e-mail]. No calls please.