*THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR A $1,000.00 SIGN-ON BONUS*

The Managing Attorney of Domestic Violence Legal Representation (DVLS), licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, demonstrates expertise and leadership in providing legal representation to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking in the Latino and immigrant communities. This position is part of Congreso's Family Wellness Department and participates in all project evaluations and site visits undertaken by funders, and all funder required trainings, including training on evidence-based risk factors for domestic violence and dating violence homicide.  The Managing Attorney actively participates in the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) Domestic Violence Attorney Network and attends a minimum of  five (5) Network meetings per year. 

The Managing Attorney has regular internal contacts and external contact with clients, community resources, and the community and is expected to represent Congreso in a professional manner. This position has access to sensitive Congreso information and is expected to handle such information with integrity and professionalism. The Managing Attorney is not a legal representative for Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc. or its subsidiaries.

The Managing Attorney is part of Congreso's DV Legal Services team and provides direct supervision of Congreso's Domestic Violence Legal Services team. 

This position reports to the Vice President of Family and Parenting Services. This is a Hybrid position.

The Managing Attorney applies the principles of the organization’s signature service delivery approach, Primary Client Model (PCM™), by promoting a positive employee/client-focused experience that is appreciative of the unique strengths, values and needs that each individual brings; and by using data to inform and drive decision making. Attention is given to compliance, quality assurance, and best practices as they relate to the role.

Congreso is committed to attracting and retaining candidates who have a passion for their work and will serve as ambassadors of the agency’s mission, values, and DEI&B vision.  We encourage all qualified individuals, including those of diverse backgrounds, differently abled, LGBTQ+, and women to apply.   Congreso is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions listed below.

• Represents Congreso’s mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and will be an ambassador of our work.
• Provides free holistic civil legal services to low-income Latino and immigrant victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking as they relate to family law (i.e., custody, protection from abuse, support) and limited services in the areas of immigration, housing, and public benefits acquisition.
• Engages in professional systems advocacy through the courts, criminal prosecution and local law enforcement, and appellate advocacy in order to improve the justice system’s response to victims of domestic violence. 
• Establishes partnerships with local attorneys and engages in regular case supervision/mentorship. 
• Co-facilitates community trainings with partner agencies that focus on family and immigration.
• Maintains referral and intake system that protects and respects client confidentiality and attorney/client privilege. 
• Monitors CLR project data and submits required reports to PCADV. 
• Monitors VIP and VOCA project data and submits required reports to PCCD in collaboration with Vice President of Family and Parenting Services.
• Attends five annual Domestic Violence Attorney Network meetings.
• Attends mandatory funder meetings. 
• Engages in ongoing legal consultation with contracted partners to address client needs.
• Supervises administrative staff and LAV Staff Attorney assigned to support Congreso’s Domestic Violence Legal Services team. 
• Provides services to clients and staff that reflect PCM™ service delivery approaches that are Client-Centered, Data-Informed, and Culturally-Appreciative.

• Attends and participates in continuing education related to PCM™, which include active participation in quality circles and the maintenance of work according to the data established requirements.   

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

All Staff Competencies

• Basic understanding of Congreso’s mission, values, DEI&B vision, Mission2Impact, Primary Client Model, programs, and services.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the community needs and demographics.
• Ability to understand, acknowledge, and assess client needs to provide a timely, trauma informed approach in service.
• Ensures the appropriate handling of sensitive information and understanding of issues such as confidentiality, domestic abuse, child abuse, and mandated reporter requirements.
• Adheres to all Congreso, departmental, programmatic, and security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Attends all Congreso trainings and in-services as required, including relevant professional groups to maintain professional, requisite knowledge and licensure.
• Attends, participates, and facilitates relevant staff meetings to promote communication and execution of goals.
• Ability to effectively use standard office equipment, including a variety of common software programs such as Office365, UNIDAD, and other customized databases.
• Follows through on assignments, works in a timely manner, within established deadlines, and completes special projects specific to the function of the department, as needed or as directed by supervisor.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups, in a compassionate, courteous, and respectful manner that fosters an inclusive environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including effective and respectful communication with individuals and groups.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) written and verbal skills a plus.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  

This position supervises the LAV Attorney and DVLS Paralegal.

Minimum Experience, Education, and Qualifications

Minimum Education: 

J.D. required.

Minimum Experience:

5 years of experience with Philadelphia family court domestic relations proceedings; understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. 

1 year of supervisory experience. 

Certification/License:  

Actively licensed to practice law in the State of Pennsylvania. 

40+ hours domestic violence training certificate from an approved PCADV training program and Supporting Children and Families with Disabilities training certificate required and may be completed post-hire.