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Title

Staff Attorney - Disability Rights 

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.  
About the Organization DRNY, the Protection and Advocacy System and the Client Assistance Program for New York State is seeking an individual with a passion for achieving justice for individuals with disabilities. With a focus on civil rights and disability justice, DRNY actively works to break down the systemic oppression of all people with disabilities. DRNY recognizes the intersecting legacies and effect of ableism, white supremacy, colonial capitalism, and gendered oppression on people with disabilities. Joining DRNY is an opportunity to challenge systemic abuse, neglect, discrimination, and rights violations through case-handling, individual and systemic litigation, public investigations, advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders. DRNY is committed to examining bias, privilege, racism, and intersectional social change in all aspects of our work. DRNY is a civil rights advocacy leader and we are seeking new staff who will contribute to our values and mission.







 
Description

The Staff Attorney will conduct reviews of Social Security Administration Representative Payees, interview beneficiaries, review records and draft reports. The Social Security Administration appoints Representative Payees for Social Security beneficiaries who are incapable of managing their own funds. The Staff Attorney will travel to many locations across New York. The Staff Attorney will investigate whether there is a misuse of Social Security funds by Representative Payees. The Staff Attorney will provide legal services and engage in individual and systemic representation and litigation. This position reports to the Program Director.

Essential Functions

The Staff Attorney performs a wide range of duties, including the following:

  • Conduct site visits to interview representative payees and beneficiaries, review confidential and private records, document observations and collect evidence and information of value;
  • Review worksites and housing facilities for possible health and safety violations;
  • Review and analyze financial records to assess violations or potential incidents of mismanagement of beneficiary funds;
  • Prepare comprehensive reports detailing the investigation, findings and recommendations;
  • Develops corrective action plans to assist representative payees in conforming to requirements specified by the Social Security Administration Commissioner;
  • Provide legal, administrative and other appropriate means of representation, to ensure the protection of the rights of individuals with disabilities;
  • Investigate allegations of abuse and neglect and draft investigative reports;
  • Monitor service providers for abuse, neglect, and compliance with federal and state laws and draft monitoring reports;
  • Analyze trends and data from investigations and monitoring activities to determine if they present systemic issues which may be appropriate for DRNY to address, and, with the Program Director, formulate strategies for their prevention, reduction or elimination;
  • Act in accordance with identified Priorities and Goals of the Program;
  • Consult with professionals such as attorneys, accountants, physicians, psychologists, therapists, and others to identify options and barriers for individuals and groups;
  • Lead and support DRNY projects, project teams, and initiatives that foster self-determination and self-advocacy, and coalition building;
  • Lead and participate on task forces, coalitions, and committees as assigned, as well as conduct training and outreach activities;
  • Maintain accurate, confidential files;
  • Prepare timely reports to funding sources;
  • Maintain accurate time records and client records, including accurate use of the client tracking database for DRNY to meet its programmatic and fiscal responsibilities, and to obtain prevailing party attorney fees when appropriate;
  • Timely open and close case files regarding client matters;
  • Perform related tasks consistent with skills, abilities, and general responsibilities as required to support DRNY, other duties as assigned;
  • Travel throughout New York State and outside of New York State as necessary to perform assigned job tasks.

Qualifications

  • Be a member in good standing of the New York State Bar or eligible to waive in from another jurisdiction, or be eligible to become a member within a reasonable time after beginning employment, and maintain such standing throughout employment with DRNY;
  • Must pass a federal background check;
  • Demonstrated interest and commitment to public interest law;
  • Ability to work efficiently, independently and collaboratively as part of a team;
  • Strong communication skills;
  • Strong interview skills;
  • Relationship building skills;
  • Strong organizational skills;
  • Strong problem solving skills;
  • Outstanding professionalism and ethical judgement;
  • Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals.

Preferred Experience

  • Public interest, civil rights, or disability law experience;
  • Experience in working with diverse populations;
  • Investigative and interviewing skills;
  • Finance or accounting background;
  • Knowledge of the Protection & Advocacy system.

Working Conditions

A Staff Attorney performs work in an office environment, but the position will take a Staff Attorney to non-standard workplaces.

A Staff Attorney will be expected to travel significantly within the state and then outside the state as necessary.

Travel: 50%+

To view more about our organization, check out our YouTube videos highlighting DRNY’s mission in advocating for the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. Please visit our DRNY YouTube Channel and review our DRNY Newsletter.

 
Position Requirements  
Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt  
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time  
Location Disability Rights New York - Rochester  
Position Staff Attorney - Disability Rights  
Number of Openings 1  

This position is currently not accepting applications.

To search for an open position, please go to http://DisabilityAdvocatesInc.appone.com



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