Supervising Attorney, Related Government ; Manhattan

Description

The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Practice is seeking experienced and talented lawyers with a deep commitment to public interest practice and policy to join a dedicated team of managers, staff attorneys, social workers, supervisors and support personnel as a Supervising Attorney of the Government Benefits work of Housing Attorneys and Paralegal Case handlers in the Harlem Community Law Office (HCLO).

The Government Benefits work may include but is not limited to representation, legal assistance, legal advocacy and education to clients who need income and related supports from city, state and federal programs. The Supervisor will provide support to housing advocates representing low- income tenants in housing-related matters who seek assistance relating to benefits cases, including rent arrears grants from city agencies and charities.

They will supervise housing case handlers in their work which will include representing clients at administrative fair hearings and advocacy with NYC HRA and NYS OTDA to ensure they are receiving the maximum benefits to which they are entitled. They will coordinate with citywide initiatives related to all government benefits. They will also work with other Supervisors to build their substantive knowledge and skills related to public benefits generally and rent subsidy and arrears advocacy in particular.

The Supervising Attorney reports to the Director of Housing of HCLO and will report to the Attorney-in-Charge of HCLO and will be primarily responsible for the efficient provision of benefits advocacy in housing cases. The Supervising Attorney will coordinate and collaborate with the supervisor of the Government Benefits Unit of HCLO to create Practice-wide training and advocacy programming for benefits advocates.

The Supervising Attorney will be a mentor to and supervise experienced and new staff and provide legal leadership in working with other staff to prioritize legal issues. They will also provide support on grant projects. The Supervising Attorney participates in Practice-wide management discussions and decision-making and is responsible for maintaining relationships with other stakeholders in the legal, court, and service communities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Housing Supervision Duties

• Supervise, mentor, and train staff attorneys, paralegals, and volunteers/interns
• Monitor and maintain a high standard of representation and client service
• Collaborate and work closely with the Attorney-in-Charge of the Harlem Community Law Office, Director of Housing, Housing Coordinators, and the housing, benefits and grants management teams on all aspects of the citywide housing practice
• Identify needs and resources for the Harlem Community Law Office and participate in management team responsibilities to meet those needs
• Coordinate intake
• Represent clients in local, state and federal administrative and court proceedings
• Respond to client, community, and staff concerns

• Reinforce and maintain staff accountability

• Analyze legal issues, develop legal strategy, and supervise the implementation of legal strategies
• Develop and maintain community support and relationships with community-based organizations, advocates, government agencies, elected officials, and the courts
• Represent the Civil Practice and Legal Aid in the community
• Conduct community education, training, and outreach and promote the work of the office, the Housing Practice, and the Civil Practice

• Continuously learn about forms of bias in the workplace and demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment

• Conduct off-site intake as needed

Team Development and Management Duties

• Assign work, approve time off and remote work schedule requests following the guidance of LAS policy and procedures
• Attend management meetings, participate in management trainings, and utilize current employment policies, practices and guidance as provided by management and Human Resources
• Conduct management and supervision practices that affirmatively support equity and inclusion in the workplace
• Supervise direct reports in setting performance standards, provide routine feedback as well as coaching/counseling, and issue…