Legal Case Manager

POSITION TITLE: Legal Case Manager

DEPARTMENT: Legal Services

REPORTS TO: Director of Legal Services

DIRECT REPORTS:  No

LOCATION: 41st Street Shelter

Join a Legacy of Hope and Empowerment at Covenant House New York!

For over 50 years, Covenant House New York (CHNY) has been at the forefront of transforming lives by providing comprehensive shelter, housing, and wrap-around support services for vulnerable homeless, runaway, and exploited youth. As the largest provider of these essential services in New York City, CHNY impacts the lives of over 1,500 young people aged 16-24 every year.

At CHNY, our doors are open to all young people in need, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Our dedicated team offers various services, including shelter, housing, education, employment, health, mental health support, youth development, and anti-human trafficking initiatives. We operate with harm reduction and trauma-informed principles to ensure the best care for our youth.

But our mission goes beyond immediate support. We are passionate advocates for systemic change, influencing public policy, and raising awareness of the critical issues surrounding youth homelessness. Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe refuge and empower young people to build a brighter future founded on compassion, unconditional love, and absolute respect.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of countless young people. Join a team that inspires long-term transformation and hope.

Job Summary

The Legal Case Manager will provide administrative support to the Legal Department of Covenant House New York while acting as a legal case manager to Covenant House youth. The Legal Case Manager will join a small but vibrant and dedicated team of advocates working within an exciting organization committed to treating young people experiencing homelessness with absolute respect and extraordinary care.

He/she/they will coordinate care with other appropriate Covenant House Departments and external partners while ensuring that youth understand and are ready for all aspects of their legal cases. The Legal Case Manager will work with youth in a positive and nurturing manner to ensure that their legal needs are addressed in a manner that optimizes their chances for a successful legal outcome or resolution of legal needs. Reporting to CHNY’s Director of Legal Services, the Legal Case Manager will support a culture that successfully achieves coordinated care and exemplary legal services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Responsibilities to include but not limited to the following)

· Upholds CH’s Mission, Vision and 5 Principles, standards of conduct, and policies and procedures. Integrate Mission and the 5 Principles into work done with the youth and with the community.

· Works with the Director of Legal Services and other legal staff to ensure youth receive exemplary legal services.

· Keep in frequent contact with Covenant House youth, making sure that they are aware of all relevant appointments and have a thorough understanding of their legal case.

· Help the youth gather all relevant documents.

· With the assistance of the Director of Legal Services and other legal staff, occasionally ease youth’s anxiety by explaining complex legal situations in simple terms.

· Act as the face of the legal department by welcoming all youth and visitors.

· Conduct intake screens of Covenant House youth to confirm that their problem is one that a lawyer can help with.

· Schedule appointments and manage the calendar of the Director of Legal Services.

· Liaise closely with other Covenant House Departments to coordinate the youth’s legal and social services needs.

· Research out-of-state and new referral sources and assist youth with making and attending off-site appointments.

· Manage the administrative work of the legal department.

· Maintain LegalServer, the Legal Department’s database.

· Research, co-facilitate, and assist in creating “Know Your Rights” curricula.

· Assist with translating for and/or arranging translation services for non-English speaking youth when appropriate.

· Escort youth to off-campus appointments and services when needed.

· Occasionally assist with PowerPoint presentations and administrative work.

· Model caring engagement with youth.

· Participate in all required trainings, supervision, and staff meetings.

· Always upholds CHNY’s standards of conduct and policies and procedures.

· Always reflects CHNY’s values and principles on social media.

· Perform other duties as assigned and needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Education & Experience

· Bachelor’s degree preferred.

· If no bachelor’s degree, High School/GED required with one (1) year of experience in a residential setting and working with adolescents preferred.

· Experience working with at-risk youth strongly preferred.

· Fluency in Spanish, French, or Arabic is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills

· Interest in working with homeless and runaway youth on their legal issues, particularly in immigration law.

· Ability to follow instructions, prioritize assignments, and work in a fast-paced environment.

· Excellent organizational skills to keep track of a wide variety of youth legal cases at different stages.

Benefits

Covenant House New York offers a rich package of benefits, including but not limited to:

• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• Life & Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance 
• Eligibility for medical benefits begins on the date of hire
• PTO includes three weeks of vacation in the first year, ten holidays, 13 sick days, five personal days, and birthday days off
• 403b with employer contribution after 12 months

Covenant House New York is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and we are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment where everyone feels respected and valued. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at deptpeopleandculture@covenanthouse.org.