FSAC Attorney

Description:

Job Snapshot
CLC is seeking a skilled and passionate Staff Attorney to join our Family Support & Advocacy Center (FSAC), a legal services program focused on preventing young families from entering the child welfare system. The program serves adults who are former foster youth/were previously involved with the child welfare system as children and are now expecting and/or parenting their own children who may be at risk of entering the system. This prevention-focused model provides (1) Interventions to support and stabilize these families, including advocacy to prevent dependency court involvement; (2) Other needed legal interventions to address needs including in the areas of housing, probate, and family law; and (3) Connection to services to stabilize the family such as mental health treatment, substance abuse programs, and more.

The Los Angeles based Attorney will provide advocacy and guidance to clients regarding the child welfare process and their rights as parents. They will work with the parents to proactively engage with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to keep the parent and child together and prevent family separation or the filing of a dependency petition.

This position follows the Children's Law Center (CLC) work model and requires an on-site presence approximately 50% of the time. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.

Your Impact on the Mission – Excellence in Advocacy
The primary duties of the FSAC Staff Attorney include, but are not limited to:?

• Advocate for Clients: Provide advocacy and guidance to clients concerning the child welfare process and their parental rights.
• Client Engagement: Proactively engage with clients to encourage their interaction with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), with the aim of preventing family separation or dependency petition filings.
• Collaborative Teamwork: Collaborate with a team, including three (3) Parent Support Case Managers and the program's Managing Attorney to assess each client's unique needs.
• Individualized Action Plans: Develop individualized action plans for parents, considering their specific circumstances and challenges.
• Legal Support: Offer direct legal support to clients addressing legal issues such as housing, government benefits, probate, family law (particularly related to domestic violence), health, mental health, and/or other related areas as applicable.
• Referral Services: Provide referrals to other legal service organizations when necessary to address legal issues.
• Community Engagement: Work with low-income communities, demonstrating an understanding of their unique needs and challenges. Attend community events and present trainings to community groups.
• Expertise: Leverage legal expertise to navigate complex legal issues and provide effective support to clients.
• Client Rights: Ensure that clients are informed about their rights as parents within the child welfare system.
• Preventive Measures: Take proactive measures to keep parents and children together whenever possible, minimizing the need for family separation.
• Continuous learning: staying informed and adapting evolving social dynamics to better engage and support clients from all backgrounds.

Requirements:
The Assets You Possess/Essential Qualifications

A minimum of 2 years of legal experience; a Juris Doctor degree; and a member in good standing of the State Bar of California is required. The successful candidate will also demonstrate:?

• 2-3 years of experience practicing law in areas such as dependency, housing, government benefits, probate, family law (especially related to domestic violence), health, mental health, or related fields.
• A working knowledge of the Los Angeles County child welfare system.
• Cultural competence in working with a diverse client population.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. They should demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior and communication. Excellent time management skills, accountability, problem solving, principled decision-making, and critical thinking ability are required.
• Possess the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in the practice of law, and maintain effective relationships with clients, families, service providers, and other child welfare professionals.
• A valid California driver's license, reliable automobile, and auto insurance are required while working for the Children's Law Center.

Perks + Benefits Employees of CLC Enjoy:
Health + Wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Program
• Company-Sponsored Benefits (Medical, Dental, Life Insurance) *
• Up to 6% employer matched retirement plan*
• Generous Parental Leave + Additional Leave Options*
• Fitness/Wellness Program*
• Health Care & Dependent Day Care FSA*
• Transit + Parking Benefits *

Growth + Development
Durfee Professional Development funds are available for all employees, in good standing, who have been with CLC for at least two years.

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