Overview
Public Benefits Staff Attorney, Yonkers, NY
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley
Date Posted: 3/27/2023
Job Type: Public Benefits Staff Attorney– Yonkers, NY
Schedule Type: Full-Time
About Us
For more than 50 years, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) has been providing free, high-quality legal counsel in civil matters when basic human needs are at stake including: eviction and foreclosure prevention, domestic violence, disability, elder law, healthcare, consumer fraud and more. Our services support almost 600,000 poor and low-income families and individuals who cannot afford an attorney in our seven-county service area. With the gap separating those who can and cannot afford legal representation widening each day, we work to ensure that everyone has equal access to justice, regardless of their ability to pay. As the only provider of comprehensive civil legal services in the lower and mid-Hudson Valley (Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan), LSHV is proud to have handled over 12,000 cases impacting nearly 27,500 household members including 10,000 children last year. LSHV is made up of ten offices, and a dedicated and highly skilled staff of attorneys, paralegals and administrative professionals.
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley is dedicated to building a highly skilled workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We are committed to racial justice and promoting equity for all, and we continuously review and strengthen our processes and practices to empower our staff, clients and the communities we serve. Respect is a cornerstone of relationships among our staff. Our affinity groups are self-directed and provide a space for members to support one another and their shared vision. We encourage applications from people of all identities.
Position Description
LSHV has an immediate opening in our Yonkers office for a full-time staff attorney to work on public benefits and other matters. The attorney will serve low-income individuals and families living in Westchester County in matters including Medicaid, Food Stamps, Family Assistance, Safety Net Assistance, and unemployment benefits.
Duties of the Position: individual case work, representation at administrative hearings, litigation in state and federal courts, and education and outreach efforts directed at community members, advocates, and services providers. The person hired will also be expected to adhere to program and case handling standards, funder requirements, the highest professional standards, and be available as a resource to LSHV staff and access to justice communities.
Qualifications
· Admission to the New York State Bar or passed the NY bar and awaiting admission; or willingness and eligibility to be admitted in New York State;
· Understanding of the nature and dynamics of housing and benefits;
· Ability to handle a large caseload;
· Excellent people skills;
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
· Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders.
Preferred
· Two or more years of legal experience;
· Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income persons with prior experience in legal services or similar program;
· Bi-lingual English/Spanish
Salary: Competitive union scale, with excellent benefits. After a probationary period, this position may permit work from home up to two days per week.
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley is a proud equal opportunity employer. People of all races, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability and veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.