Staff Attorney - Community Guardian Program

Shift Schedule: Monday-Friday: 9AM-5PM
Hours Per Week: 35 

Overview of our Community Guardian Program: 

The Community Guardian Program serves as the court-appointed legal guardian of hundreds of adults across the five boroughs, providing them with critical services and supports with the goal of keeping them in their respective communities and as independent as possible. Individuals in this program have been determined to be in need of a guardian under Article 81 of the New York State Mental Hygiene Law. JASA's Community Guardian Program serves some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers, including the seriously and persistently mentally ill, the homeless and formerly homeless, and people facing eviction. JASA is appointed only when there are no family or friends who are willing or able to take on the role.

Responsibilities: 

• Provide representation, advice, and legal counsel on behalf of JASA in connection with Article 81 proceedings from the case's inception until discharge, including regular court appearances, motion practice, and litigation 

• Provide legal advice to CGP as a whole with regard to the fiduciary duties involved in each case and court compliance 

• Familiarity with all phases of guardianship litigation is required including drafting Orders to Show Cause and Petitions, Cross-Petitions, Affirmations in Opposition, Orders, Oath and Designations and Commissions 

• Consulting with caseworkers, senior social work, finance, and other staff to create comprehensive case plans for clients 

• Review of case files and legal research and writing of pleadings and other legal documents 

• Providing representation, advice, and legal counsel in civil proceedings in NYC housing courts on matters including non-payment, holdover, HP Proceedings, and NYCHA administrative proceedings 

• Providing representation, advice, and legal counsel in connection with public benefits and entitlements—(i.e.: Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security, Cash Assistance etc.) 

• Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders 

• Participating in staff meetings and training 

• Performance of occasional work outside of standard work hours, sometimes with little notice 

• Travel throughout NYC, as needed 

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications: 

• Juris Doctorate and admission to the New York State Bar 

• Commitment to Public Interest Law 

• At least 3 years of litigation experience—NYS motion practice in connection with Article 81 guardianship matters and/or landlord-tenant law strongly preferred 

• Self-starter with the ability to work independently but with the judgment to know when to seek guidance 

• Understanding of government benefits and entitlements such as Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, Social Security, Public Assistance, etc.  

• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to understand complex legal concepts and offer succinct explanations and counsel to colleagues

• Experience working with diverse populations

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team 

• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

• Exceptional organizational skills, including handling multiple tasks, prioritizing work, and meeting deadlines under pressure 

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to balance legal and risk concerns with available resources and service delivery environments

• Strong interpersonal skills 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to compose, proof, and edit correspondence and documents 

• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Suite 

• Demonstrated ability and willingness to master new technology