Housing and/or Public Benefits Attorney

Job Description:

Summary: This is a full-time attorney position funded by NYCDOH through Ryan White Part A. The project provides free legal services crucial to New York residents who are HIV positive or who have AIDS. Services are designed to provide peace of mind and enable individuals to focus on their primary struggle, free of discrimination – fighting the effects of HIV/AIDS and staying well.  The assistance provided by the African Services Committee (ASC) is an essential component of a holistic and comprehensive continuum of care for each client. The Ryan White legal services program (LSN) Attorney provides direct legal representation to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The LSN attorney educates clients about legal issues and available services; provides outreach and legal training to other HIV services providers; and supervises team members and volunteers helping and serving clients. The LSN attorney also assists the Supervising Attorney/Legal Director to comply with the funder’s program and reporting requirements.

Roles and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provide legal advice and representation to people who are living with HIV or AIDS in the areas of housing, immigration, family law, public benefits, advance directives and estate planning (Designation of Health Care Surrogate; Living Will; Financial Power of Attorney; and Wills & Trusts).

• Supervise the provision of legal services to people living with HIV or AIDS by other staff and volunteers. Review all applications, filings and supporting documents prepared by junior attorneys, DOJ Accredited Representatives or Legal Assistants; and supervise on-going case management.

• Make appropriate referrals of cases or services that are beyond the scope of the LSN program, or the capacity of the program’s staff to other providers. Make sure that program clients receive assistance in obtaining resources or referrals to address their non-legal needs.

• Ensure compliance with funder requirements including: meeting targets; completing required intake and reassessment/update forms; keeping time records; updating primary care measures; obtaining HIV diagnosis documentation; entering new clients into e-Share; and reviewing every active file at least once monthly.

• Track and report comprehensive data regarding both the clients represented and the services provided via the Ryan White Legal Services program. Comply with all LSN reporting requirements, including monthly reports and preparation for audits.

• Oversee maintenance of case files and case management information. Enter information into ASC’s case management system for all clients directly represented by the LSN attorney.  Supervise and ensure staff compliance with case file, case management, and reporting protocols and requirements.

• Participate in case conferences and other collaborative efforts with staff from the other ASC departments regarding mutual clients, to provide relevant updates and solicit case support. 

• Supervise staff and volunteers at large scale screening events.
• Build and nurture relationships with other HIV service providers and provide community education and outreach to such partners.

• Assist with community outreach and know your rights workshops to educate immigrant communities about forms of immigration relief. Represent ASC at meetings with other legal service agencies, government agencies, collaborations with other organizations on issues related to the people living with HIV or AIDS. 

Qualifications, Education and/or experience required:

• Juris Doctor (JD).
• Admission to the New York State bar required. Additional bar admissions are a plus.
• At least three (3) years of post-JD experience in representing clients with housing and/or public benefits (i.e. SSI, HASA, etc.) matters. Preference for candidates who also have knowledge and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: immigration; family law; advanced directives; or estate planning.
• Prior experience supervising staff and/or reporting on a legal program’s efforts.

Skills and/or competencies preferred:

• Bilingual: Fluency in English and Spanish or French. Preference for candidates with additional foreign language abilities.
• Excellent writing, research, analytical, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to working on behalf of people living with HIV or AIDS, and/or immigrant communities.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, advocate effectively and proactively resolve issues or problems.
• Outstanding interpersonal, organizational, planning and time management skills.
• Passionate about accuracy and meeting deadlines on time all the time.
• Thrive in a busy environment and able to shift gears when needed.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, public interest setting and to foster and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Flexible schedule and availability for occasional evening and weekend work.
• Excellent communications and team-building skills

Salary

• $60,000 - $65,000.

How to apply for the position:

• Send cover letter and resume to Franco Torres, Supervising Attorney (francot@africanservices.org and staffattorney@africanservices.org)

Please include “LSN Attorney” in the subject line
 

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