Staff Attorney - Community Guardian Program

Selfhelp Legal is seeking a Staff Attorney to join our team and provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to guardianship clients.

Responsibilities

• Handle individual caseload in Article 81 guardianship law, including:
  • Guardianship discharges
  • Seeking permanent placement of a client
  • Seeking expansion or contraction of powers
  • Civil Court (Housing) appearances with staff and/or clients
• Supervise and work with volunteer attorneys
• Develop case plans with senior management and staff regarding legal issues
• Provide a full range of legal services, including:
  • Administrative advocacy and representation at hearings before public and private agencies
  • Litigation in state courts
  • Drafting pleadings and other legal documents
  • Obtaining and reviewing documents and records
  • Legal research and writing
  • Negotiating and settling matters
  • Interviewing clients and providing appropriate advice
  • Referral to other sources of legal assistance
• Participate in staff meetings, training seminars, and community activities
• Maintain required case records, reports, and statistics in a timely manner
• Complete annual mandatory trainings on topics such as Sexual Harassment Prevention, IT Security Awareness, Compliance, OSHA, HIPAA, and other regulatory or business practice requirements
• Support the organization’s mission by fostering positive interpersonal relationships with co-workers
• Adhere to the organization’s policies regarding absenteeism and appearance

Requirements

• J.D. required
• License to practice law in the State of New York and active registration with the New York State Office of Court Administration
• At least two years’ experience in guardianship, elder, or administrative law, with a focus on client representation, advocacy, training, and community education regarding Medicaid and other government entitlement programs
• Experience and/or demonstrated commitment to community service, government benefits, and social justice issues
• Strong problem-solving abilities while multitasking and exercising sound judgment
• Excellent analytical and computer skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including drafting legal documents, briefs, and proper citation form
• Excellent customer service and organizational skills

Working Conditions

• Business office environment with frequent phone and computer use
• Must be able to travel locally for off-site court visits

Pay

$80,000 - $85,000 per year