PROJECT DIRECTOR, DC JAIL AND PRISON ADVOCACY PROJECT

As part of the DC Jail and Prison Advocacy Project (JPAP) at University Legal Services (ULS), the Project Director will work with the JPAP team to represent DC residents with psychiatric disabilities to prevent unnecessary periods of incarceration and reduce barriers to their successful reentry to the community. The JPAP’s advocacy extends to local and federal correctional facilities, adjudication proceedings and other criminal justice, and mental health systems.

The JPAP Project Director will lead criminal justice initiatives within a thriving and diverse organization dedicated to advancing disability rights.

The Project Director is primarily responsible for developing external agency partnerships, securing and sustaining funding, and pursuing legal advocacy.

Responsibilities include:

• Representing clients within and exiting the criminal justice system. Redress disability rights violations in jails, prisons, parole and community supervision utilizing litigation or legal advocacy strategies.

• Supervision of a staff attorney engaged in mitigating penalties, and monitoring facilities; a reentry advocate; peer navigator advocate; law fellows and interns.
  • Advise on case strategy, client-centered advocacy.
  • Monitor team investigations into abuse, neglect, and discrimination.
  • Analyze JPAP performance outcomes.

• Effective communication of the organization’s goals and activities through legislative testimony:
  • Maintain knowledge of disability rights, laws within criminal justice systems, evidence-based treatment and best practice alternatives to confinement.
  • Guide self-help, rights, and awareness trainings for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals with mental illness.
  • Conduct training and technical assistance on disability law.
  • Educate legislators and administrative decision makers on ULS’ recommendations for redressing abuse, neglect, and discrimination experienced by individuals with disabilities.

• JPAP resource management and consultation with Executive Director on vision for program development and sustainability.
  • Develop and manage JPAP financial operations in consultation with accounting staff.
  • Maintain and secure public and private funding partners.
  • Develop timely and accurate grant proposals and reports
• Grants Management
• Complete grant applications and reports
• Handle requests for grant amendments

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the District of Columbia Bar or eligibility to waive into the D.C. Bar.

• At least 5 years of civil litigation experience, including experience managing cases through multiple stages of litigation.

• Demonstrated experience working with marginalized and underserved populations, including returning citizens.

• Experience managing a multi-disciplinary team.

• Knowledge of disability rights and the D.C. criminal legal system.

• Commitment to JPAP’s mission and client-centered legal advocacy.

The salary range for this position is $90,000- $120,000, depending on experience. Benefits include employer-paid health insurance premiums for employee and spouse, dental and vision insurance, long and short-term disability, group life insurance, and the option to telework two days a week, 3 weeks of vacation plus the last week of the year when the office is closed, and 13 days of sick leave.

University Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, political belief, creed, national origin, marital status, or disability. We value diversity of culture, disability, and other life experiences.

Please email your resume and cover letter to Jane Brown at

jbrown@uls-dc.org. Please write JPAP Attorney in the subject line.

The salary range for this position is $90,000- $120,000, depending on experience. Benefits include employer-paid health insurance premiums for employee and spouse, dental and vision insurance, long and short-term disability, group life insurance, and the option to telework two days a week, 3 weeks of vacation plus the last week of the year when the office is closed, and 13 days of sick leave.