Description:
Organization Information
Empire Justice Center, a diverse and highly respected statewide legal services organization, seeks a Staff Attorney for our Disability Advocacy Group. This is an opportunity to join and grow in one of the most influential organizations serving marginalized low-income individuals and families in New York State.
Empire Justice Center attracts and employs a diverse team of dedicated, determined, and passionate advocates who significantly impact the lives of low-income New Yorkers. We succeed through direct legal representation high-impact litigation, and legislative and administrative advocacy. Additionally, the organization provides top-notch training and technical assistance to other advocates to ensure fairness and justice for New Yorkers. The organization thrives on our commitment to supporting justice for populations historically and currently experiencing high levels of oppression. These populations include racially diverse individuals and families experiencing poverty, housing insecurity, immigration issues, and domestic violence. Additionally, the organization advocates for people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, and school-age children facing discrimination and violations of their civil rights in schools.
With offices in Rochester, Albany, Westchester County, and Long Island, our organization offers staff an exciting and dynamic inclusive working environment with a strong commitment to work/life balance, teamwork, diversity, wellness, and personal/professional development.
Position Summary
The Disability Advocacy Program (DAP) Staff Attorney provides direct representation to low-income individuals with disabilities in Monroe County whose claims for federal disability benefits (SSI and SSD) have been denied or whose federal disability benefits are being terminated. The DAP attorney represents clients at administrative hearings and appeals before the Social Security Administration.
The Disability Advocacy Program (DAP) Staff Attorney provides direct representation to low-income individuals with disabilities in Monroe County whose claims for federal disability benefits (SSI and SSD) have been denied or whose federal disability benefits are being terminated. The DAP attorney represents clients at administrative hearings and appeals before the Social Security Administration.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
- Developing an in-depth knowledge of Social Security disability law, policy, and procedures;
- Screening potential clients, conducting intakes, and, in coordination with other staff, reviewing new matters for case acceptance;
- Representing claimants at administrative hearings and appeals before the Social Security Administration;
- Interviewing clients and providing legal advice about the Social Security appeals process;
- Maintaining professional, compassionate, and effective relationships with clients;
- Analyzing legal issues through review of documents, client meetings, and legal research; Developing medical and other evidence
- Advocating for clients before the Social Security Administration and other agencies involved in the disability appeals process;
- Engaging in hearing advocacy through oral argument, direct and cross-examination, and introduction of evidence;
- Preparing written memoranda;
- Preparing outreach materials and participating in community outreach;
- Attending and participating in continuing legal education events relevant to Social Security disability appeals;
- Keeping accurate case and time records in the case management system.
- Participate in federal district court litigation, as needed;
- Please note that if the need arises, all positions will supervise other members of the practice group.
- Other duties as assigned by your supervisor and/or to meet the organization's needs. Please note that because Empire Justice Center is a nonprofit legal services organization, our resources are limited, all staff are expected to perform administrative and other support-related duties as needed to serve our clients and fulfill our mission.
- Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited US law school or international equivalent
- Admission to the New York State Bar and in good standing as a member of the bar
- At least 1-2 years of professional experience
- Ability to Work on a Team
- Communication Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Document Drafting
- Client Experience
- Legal Advocacy
- Microsoft Office
- Legal Research
