Staff Attorney (Part-Time)

Non-profit Organization: Florida’s Children First

Office Location: Coral Springs, Florida

Professionals with Lived-Experience in the foster care system are encouraged to apply!

Who We Are:

Florida’s Children First (FCF) is the state’s premier advocacy organization that works to protect and advance the rights of children who are served by the state. For over twenty years we have accomplished significant reforms in the child welfare arena using multi-forum advocacy - legislative, executive branch, media, education, and outreach. We are looking to expand our advocacy by including direct representation.

Florida Youth SHINE (FYS) is an advocacy organization of youth with child welfare involvement or who are homeless.

Position Summary:

The staff attorney will be responsible for representing children and young adults in dependency court and related proceedings. The attorney will support other aspects of the work of FCF and its affiliate FYS. Because this is a new position, we are flexible and look forward to working with the successful candidate to define the parameters of this position. We anticipate that 50% of the time will be spent on client representation and 50% on the existing advocacy work of FCF and FYS.

Responsibilities Include:

• Conduct legislative and executive branch advocacy.
• Represent children primarily in circuit court dependency proceedings. Advocate for services for children with mental health, behavioral, educational, and other needs.
• Work with FYS members and Chapter Mentors to support efforts to educate youth about their rights and help them with their youth-led advocacy efforts.
• Develop policy recommendations, educational materials, and other publications, develop and deliver training,
• Required Qualifications, Skills & Experience
• Florida Bar member, eligible to practice law in Florida.
• Computer proficient.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated, organized, hard-working, and must take initiative.
• Ability to manage and litigate cases and enjoy direct client contact.
• Ability to travel.
• Preferred Qualifications, Skills & Experience
• At least 2 years of experience in dependency representation.
• Board Certification in Juvenile Law.
• Current or previous contract with Justice Administrative Commission to accept registry appointments.
• Legislative and executive branch advocacy experience.
• Subject matter expertise in issues of import to children (e.g., healthcare, education, immigration, disability, juvenile justice, homelessness).
• Experience working with youth.
• Bilingual.
• Florida driver’s license.

Job Type: part-time

Pay: $4,000 per month

Benefits: No benefits are included

Schedule: Flexible with occasional nights and weekend events.

Work Location: Remote - Candidate located in or near Tallahassee is preferred.

Application Date/Instructions:

Applications accepted on a rolling basis, anticipated start date July 10, 2023

Send resume, cover letter and short writing sample to management@floridaschildrenfirst.org