Staff Attorney

WHO WE ARE & PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Covenant House is the largest organization in the United States that provides care and services to at-risk, homeless, and trafficked youth. The Covenant House New York Legal Department is situated within our Manhattan crisis shelter, which houses up to 120 vulnerable, yet resilient youth. These young people are looking for fierce advocates to help them navigate their legal issues and other concerns they may have as they work to forge a new path for themselves. This is work that is both challenging and fulfilling.

The following statements are intended to describe the major elements and requirements of the position and should not be taken as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of individuals assigned to this job.

PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Staff Attorney at Covenant House New York (CHNY) is, first and foremost, a voice for the young people we strive to serve as they transition from a life on the streets to a life of self-sufficiency. The Staff Attorney counsels and represents youth, typically between the ages of 16 to 24, in a wide range of areas including: immigration, family law, housing, employment, public assistance, name changes, and the collateral consequences of criminal conviction, among others. Prior experience/familiarity in immigration, family or criminal law would be especially helpful for this position.

The Staff Attorney will report to the Director of Legal Services and help with the shaping of the department and integrating the department with the rest of CHNY. The Staff Attorney will assist on legislative efforts on issues affecting the population of homeless youth; issues such as homelessness, mental health, employment, education, juvenile justice, and more.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Responsibilities to include but not limited to the following)

• Meet with and represent clients on selected legal issues (sometimes that will involve taking the case all the way through to the court room and in other cases will entail one-time advice and counsel, sometimes directing youth to appropriate resources for assistance)
• Conduct staff trainings on legal issues
• Help facilitate Know Your Rights workshops with the goal of empowering and educating CHNY youth
• Assist with creation and management of legal-related events, as needed
• Attend team, department and other staff meetings
• Coordinate with social workers, case managers, mental health professionals, and other resources to provide wraparound services for CHNY youth
• Advocate for specific bills or policies that relate to CHNY and/or RHY youth
• Attend coalition/community meetings related to CHNY advocacy efforts
• Identify trends that could be addressed through legislation/policy changes
• Occasionally draft policy papers, testimony and other written material related to CHNY’s advocacy efforts, and testify at hearings

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Education & Experience

• J.D. and admitted to practice law in New York State; minimum 2 years of experience
• Courtroom litigation experience required
• Fluency and/or proficiency in Spanish and/or French required.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, a mission-driven organization, and service to vulnerable and diverse populations
• Able to work well with diverse staff and clients, at various levels of the organization
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, organizational, analytical, communication and writing skills
• Clear passion for working with and advocating for an underserved homeless youth population

Hours: 9 am - 5 pm

The salary range is $65,000.00 - $70, 000.00

Compensation

Covenant House New York offers a rich package of benefits including but not limited to full medical, vision, dental, life and short and long-term disability insurance and other fringe benefits. Eligibility for medical benefits begins on the date of hire. PTO includes 3 weeks of vacation in the first year, 10 holidays, 13 sick days, 5 personal days and birthday days off. Benefits include a 403b with employer contribution after 12 months. There are also multiple additional optional benefits (including additional life, disability, accident and cancer insurance) available at significantly reduced rates. "CH is a vaccinated employer. As such, prospective new hires will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by the date of hire to be considered." 

                              Covenant House New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer