STAFF ATTORNEY, DISABILITY ADVOCACY PROJECT

Project Description

Bronx Legal Services seeks a Staff Attorney for its Disability Advocacy Project. This is a temporary one (1) year position with the possibility of renewal depending on future funding.

The DAP team assists low-income residents of The Bronx seeking federal disability benefits based on mental and/or physical health impairments and disabilities.  We assist clients with case development and represent them in administrative hearings, appeals, and collateral issues that arise after an award of benefits.   We work with community members and partner organizations in identifying and resolving systemic barriers to obtaining disability benefits.

Bronx Legal Services, the Bronx office of Legal Services NYC, fights poverty and seeks racial, social, and economic justice for low-income New Yorkers. We provide high-quality legal services to resolve those problems that have the greatest impact on low-income New Yorkers, namely affordable and decent housing, income support, abusive lending and consumer practices, family stability, domestic violence, and the disabled.  We bring significant financial resources to an underserved community, promoting the health and stability of the neighborhoods we serve.

Responsibilities

The staff attorney will be responsible for advocacy, litigation, and community outreach in The Bronx.   The attorney will appear in administrative proceedings before the Social Security Administration and in appeals to the federal district court.  The attorney will investigate and develop disability claims, evaluate the merits, prepare clients to testify at hearings, advocate at hearings including direct examination of clients and cross-examination of experts, and prepare written arguments and memoranda of law. The advocate will collaborate with other partners or community groups to create and shape public policy advocacy.

Requirements

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school and admitted to practice in New York

• 2-3 years’ experience with Social Security disability work, including Social Security disability applications, appeals to the ALJ and Appeals Council, and litigation in Federal Court

• Ability  to  work  well  with  people  of  diverse  national,  ethnic,  cultural,  religious,  and socioeconomic backgrounds

• Ability to work independently, stay organized, meet deadlines, and work under pressure

• Demonstrated commitment to, or experience providing, culturally sensitive services to vulnerable populations

• Demonstrated commitment to, or experience working with, individuals living with physical and/or mental health disabilities

• Demonstrated commitment to social and racial justice

• Experience  working  as  part  of  a  collaborative  team  of  attorneys  and  non-legal professionals

• Excellent analytical, oral, and written communication skills

• Excellent computer, organizational, planning, and time management skills

The salary for the position is competitive and commensurate with experience (determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement). Excellent benefits package.

How to Apply:

To apply for the position, send a resume, cover letter, recent writing sample, and names of three (3) references via email to: Sandra Sanchez, ssanchez@lsnyc.org.

The e-mail should include “Temporary Staff Attorney, Disability Advocacy Project” in the subject line.

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

No telephone calls and no mailed applications.

Bronx Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, and people over the age of 40 are welcome and encouraged to apply.

All employees are strongly encouraged to continue to receive and maintain up-to-date COVID vaccinations unless they are unable to for medical or religious reasons.

Job#25_2024; Posted 3.2024

Salary Range (Based on years of experience):

• 1-10 years: $74,881 - $98,355

• 11-20 years: $100,605 - $118,773

• 21+ years: $124,254 - $135,637