Program Attorney, Child Welfare and Juvenile Law

The Program Attorney will demonstrate superior knowledge of juvenile, family, or tribal law in relation to domestic violence; custody and visitation; child abuse; child support; protection orders; the co-occurrence of domestic violence and child maltreatment; dependency; delinquency; and the intersection with juvenile and family courts. This position will conduct legal research and analysis; draft and implement curriculum for adult learners; and provide legal perspective and expertise in assigned areas of juvenile justice and family law issues as requested. Heavy emphasis placed on effective research, writing, group facilitation, and public speaking.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all team members are expected to practice and apply the following principles:

• Grasp broad overview of NCJFCJ and develop working knowledge of its programs and services
• Follow organizational and departmental policies, procedures, protocols, and systems
• Perform quality work, with or without direct supervision
• Interact professionally and respectfully with all colleagues, members of the organization, public and private officials, faculty, partners, suppliers, local communities, and the general public
• Work collaboratively and effectively with all members of the organization, whether as a team player, team leader, or individual contributor
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with managers, team members, and other organizations
• Meet professional and work obligations through efficient work habits by meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, and coordinating resources in an effective and timely manner
• Be self-motivated and highly responsive to individuals, colleagues, members, and the organization
• Demonstrate independent decision-making, problem-solving, creative thinking, and analytical skills
• Approach work with a positive attitude, sense of humor, and energy
• Willingness to continuously learn and be flexible
• Use discretion in managing sensitive, proprietary, or confidential information
• Be responsible stewards of the organization’s resources

The following generally describes the essential functions, minimum education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to enter the job and to perform the responsibilities and duties of this position.

Essential functions and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Respond to requests and provide professional assistance to judges, advocates, attorneys, court personnel, other professionals, and the general public
• Draft curriculum for adult learners
• Implement curriculum (identify faculty, attend trainings, make onsite adjustments as needed, audit trainings, and revise curriculum as needed for future use)
• Provide written resources and materials as assigned
• Timely fulfillment of grant obligations such as project completion, recordkeeping, and generation of reports
• May be required to establish and/or maintain organization Web sites and relative information
• Other duties as assigned*

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school
• Two years’ experience in child welfare, domestic violence, juvenile justice, family or tribal law; or
• Equivalent combination of training, education, and experience in a relevant field
• Background in adult education preferred
• Passion or preference for working in a non-profit or grant-funded environment

• Demonstrated expertise in specialized areas relating to the fields of juvenile justice and family or tribal law
• Knowledgeable in principles of adult educations
• Ability to draft and implement curriculum for adult learners
• Knowledgeable in legal research techniques
• Ability to provide research and information in a timely, effective, and efficient manner
• Ability to accurately update legislative publications and provide technical support for workshops and training sessions
• Strong PC-based computer skills and proficiency utilizing various software such as Microsoft Office 2007 or 2010 (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Professional, Membersuite Database or other database management programs, design programs, and Westlaw
• Ability to manage files and maintain records in compliance with recordkeeping policies
• Strong, effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing, with emphasis on public policy, law, adult educations, and the social aspects of juvenile justice administration
• Ability to plan and carry work through to completion with accuracy and with strong emphasis on attention to detail
• Able to comfortably manage multiple tasks and projects utilizing time management and organization skills
• Knowledge of proper telephone and email practices and etiquette

• Extended periods of sitting
• Extended use of desktop/laptop computer and peripheral equipment
• Read and analyze fine print for extended periods
• Occasional stooping, standing, carrying
• Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs. (with assistance)

The physical demands of this position are representative of those that must be met in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Fast-paced, high-pressure, professional office environment
• Evening, weekend, holiday, and overtime work is required
• Frequent travel, locally and nationally, is required