Description:

Job Summary:
A Nonprofit Legal Services Organization seeks a Supervising Attorney to lead its unionized attorneys and paralegal advocates assisting individuals with obtaining, maintaining and transitioning from federal disability benefits, i.e., Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.

Essential Functions:
Reporting to NLS' Advocacy Director, the DAP Supervising Attorney will:

Manage the day-to-day operations of the Disability Advocacy Project (DAP) Unit. The successful applicant will be located primarily in the Buffalo office, but will manage attorneys and paralegals in NLS' Niagara Falls, Lockport and Batavia offices, as needed
Regularly review DAP Unit staff work, with the goal of consistent high quality legal representation and excellent ‘customer' service to both applicants and clients
Develop/implement staff training to support delivery of high quality services
Work closely with NLS' Advocacy Director to develop a related litigation strategy (including federal court)
Work closely with NLS' Finance and Grant Management team to seek and maintain funding for DAP work, including educating elected officials and funders about DAP work impact
Lead Unit hiring process, working closely with NLS' Human Resources staff
Maintain an independent caseload, as needed, depending upon complexity and difficulty of matters, especially when necessary to cover staff leave and PTO
Develop/implement DAP Unit policies and procedures, assuring integration and conformity with those of the organization
Ensure staff maintain case and client records as required in NLS' cloud-based case management system (CMS)
Become proficient in producing CMS statistical and narrative reports for NLS leadership and funders, as needed
Develop/implement a robust community outreach and education plan to reach NLS' five-county service area (Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties)
Oversee/Monitor applications for service and eligibility determinations in accordance with grant and funding requirements, and work assignments for staff
Commit to leading by example, with high professional integrity and civility in all interactions with clients, staff, opposing counsel and community-at-large
Address client and staff concerns in a sympathetic and confident manner

Required Qualifications:

Law degree (JD) & active New York license
Minimum of six (6) years of disability law experience in a private practice or legal services setting
Prior management experience in a legal setting preferred, but not required
Commitment to addressing systemic poverty, race, and justice issues, as well as to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion in a diverse workplace