Description:
Position Summary:The Alliance for Children's Rights is seeking a mission-driven Staff Attorney to join our Benefits Program. This attorney will help children and caregivers secure essential public benefits and financial supports, while contributing to impact litigation and policy advocacy that address systemic barriers. Experience in foster care, dependency court, child welfare, or administrative mandamus is helpful but not required. Spanish fluency is strongly preferred.
About the Alliance
The Alliance for Children's Rights Provides Free, Holistic Legal Services and Advocacy to Youth and Families Impacted by The Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems in Los Angeles County. Our Attorneys, Advocates, Social Workers, Pro Bono Partners, and Community Volunteers Help Young People Overcome Barriers to Stability and Opportunity and Access the Education, Health Care, Financial Supports, and Permanent Family Connections They Need. Since 1992, the Alliance Has Helped More than 180,000 Children and Young Adults.
We Pair Direct Services with Local and Statewide Policy Advocacy to Remove Systemic Barriers and Advance Stability, Equity, and Justice for Young People. Our Collaborative, Family-Friendly Culture Recognizes that Lasting Impact Depends on Employees Who Are Supported, Connected, and Able to Thrive.
The Impact You Will Have
You Will Help Families Obtain Resources that Promote Safety and Stability for Children Living in Out-Of-Home Care. Working Closely with The Benefits Program Director, You Will Combine Individual Representation, Litigation, Training, and Policy Advocacy Through an Equity-Informed and Intersectional Lens.
Key Responsibilities:
- Analyze Public Benefits Issues Affecting Children and Caregivers in The Child Welfare System.
- Represent Caregivers in Administrative Fair Hearings, Rehearings, Writs of Administrative Mandamus, Appellate Matters, and Related Proceedings.
- Contribute to Impact Litigation and Local and Statewide Policy Advocacy.
- Prepare Case Summaries and Materials for Placement with Pro Bono Attorneys and Provide Ongoing Technical Assistance.
- Train and Supervise Volunteers, Law Clerks, Interns, and Pro Bono Attorneys.
- Develop and Update Practical Benefits Resources for Clients, Volunteers, Staff, and Community Partners.
- Maintain Current Knowledge of Public Benefits Laws, Policies, and Trends Affecting Children and Families.
- Support Intake, Identify Legal Issues and Strategies, and Provide Guidance to Interns and Staff.
- Conduct Community Outreach and Trainings and Collaborate with Service Providers and Community Partners.
- Maintain Timely, Accurate Case Records and Complete Related Administrative Responsibilities.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor Degree and Active Membership in Good Standing with The California State Bar.
- Zero to Two Years of Legal Experience for Level I Consideration; Two to Four Years for Level Ii Consideration.
- Public Benefits Experience Is Helpful; Spanish Fluency Is Strongly Preferred.
- Excellent Legal Research, Writing, Oral Advocacy, Analytical, and Interpersonal Skills.
- Ability to Communicate Effectively with Clients, Attorneys, Public Agencies, Judicial Officers, and Community Partners.
- Strong Organization and Sound Judgment, Including the Ability to Manage Competing Priorities and A High-Volume Caseload.
- Demonstrated or Transferable Litigation Skills, Including Case Evaluation, Discovery, Negotiation, Mediation, and Hearing or Trial Preparation.
- Commitment to Social Justice, Collaborative Problem-Solving, and Client-Centered Advocacy.
