Staff Attorney-Albany

Disability Rights New York; City of Albany (NY); A distancia; USD 62.000 - 115.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Descripción de la vacante

Disability Rights New York (DRNY) seeks a Staff Attorney to provide legal services and engage in individual and systemic representation for people with disabilities. The Staff Attorney reports to the PADD program and may work remotely or in an office.

Essential functions include representing clients, investigating abuse, monitoring providers, collaborating with professionals, leading projects, maintaining files, and reporting to funding sources.

Formación

• Be a member in good standing of the New York State Bar or eligible to waive in from another jurisdiction, and maintain such standing throughout employment with DRNY.
• Up to 10 years of experience as an attorney with significant litigation experience.
• Demonstrated interest and commitment to public interest law.
• Ability to work efficiently, independently, and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding professionalism and ethical judgement.
• Multilingual skills preferred.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals.
• Must be a New York State resident; and
• Work and reside in New York State consistent with DRNY’s policies.

Responsabilidades

• Provide legal representation to people with disabilities to protect their rights.
• Investigate abuse and neglect and draft investigative reports.
• Monitor service providers for abuse, neglect, and compliance with laws and draft monitoring reports.
• Analyze cases for systemic issues and, with the Program Director, formulate strategies for prevention, reduction, or elimination.
• Lead DRNY projects, project teams, and initiatives fostering self-determination and advocacy.
• Lead and participate in committees, task forces, and training/outreach activities.
• Maintain accurate, confidential files and time/ client records.
• Travel throughout New York State and outside as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Conocimientos

Excellent communication skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Multilingual skills preferred

Relationship-building

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Educación

Member in good standing of the New York State Bar (or eligible to waive in)

Descripción del empleo

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

About the Organization DRNY, the Protection and Advocacy System and the Client Assistance Program for New York State, is seeking a passionate individual to achieve disability justice and protect civil rights. We dismantle the structural oppression of people with disabilities through individual advocacy, systemic litigation, public investigations, and collaboration with stakeholders. Come join a civil rights leader committed to addressing these barriers and driving meaningful change in everything we do.

Description

The Staff Attorney will provide legal services and engage in individual and systemic representation and litigation. The Staff Attorney is expected to report to the PADD program initially and different programs thereafter as needed.

Essential Functions

The Staff Attorney performs a wide range of duties, including the following:

• Provide legal, administrative, and other appropriate means of representation, including individual and systemic representation, to people with disabilities to ensure the protection of the rights of individuals with disabilities;
• Investigate allegations of abuse and neglect and draft investigative reports;
• Monitor service providers for abuse, neglect, and compliance with federal and state laws and draft monitoring reports;
• Analyze new and existing cases as well as other matters to determine if they present systemic issues which may be appropriate for DRNY to address, and, with the Program Director, formulate strategies for their prevention, reduction, or elimination;
• Act in accordance with identified Priorities and Goals of the Program;
• Consult with professionals such as attorneys, physicians, psychologists, therapists, educators, and others to identify options and barriers for individuals and groups;
• Lead and support DRNY projects, project teams, and initiatives that foster self-determination and self-advocacy, and coalition building;
• Lead and participate in committees, task forces, and other organization-wide groups as assigned, as well as conduct training and outreach activities;
• Maintain accurate, confidential files;
• Assist in preparing reports to funding sources;
• Maintain accurate time records and client records, including accurate use of the client tracking database for DRNY to meet its programmatic and fiscal responsibilities, and to obtain prevailing party attorney fees when appropriate;
• Timely open and close case files regarding client matters;
• May be asked to provide multilingual client support;
• Travel throughout New York State and outside of New York State as necessary to perform assigned job tasks; and
• Perform related tasks consistent with skills, abilities, and general responsibilities as required to support DRNY; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Be a member in good standing of the New York State Bar or eligible to waive in from another jurisdiction, and maintain such standing throughout employment with DRNY;
• Up to 10 years of experience as an attorney with significant litigation experience;
• Demonstrated interest and commitment to public interest law;
• Ability to work efficiently, independently, and collaboratively as part of a team;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Relationship-building skills;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Strong problem-solving skills;
• Outstanding professionalism and ethical judgement;
• Multilingual skills preferred;
• Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals;
• Must be a New York State resident; and
• Work and reside in New York State consistent with DRNY’s policies.

Preferred Experience

• Public interest, civil rights, or disability law experience;
• Litigation and administrative hearing experience;
• Experience working with diverse populations;
• NYS Driver’s license preferred.

Working Conditions

A Staff Attorney usually performs work remotely or in an office environment. The mission of the organization may sometimes take a Staff Attorney to non-standard workplaces. A Staff Attorney will be expected to travel within and outside the state as necessary.

The annualized salary range for the Staff Attorney position is between $62,000 and $115,000.

DRNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees. This includes employer-paid premiums for health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Full-time employees also receive generous paid time off benefits and are eligible for our SEP IRA and 403 (b) retirement plans.

To view more about our organization, check out our YouTube videos highlighting DRNY’s mission in advocating for the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. Please visit our DRNY YouTube Channel and review our DRNY Press Releases.