Advocates for Children of New York · 3 months ago
Staff Attorney, Court-Involved Youth - School Justice Project
New York, NY
Full-time
Hybrid
Entry, Mid Level
$86K/yr - $96K/yr
1+ years expAdvocates for Children of New York (AFC) is a dynamic social justice organization focused on ensuring a high-quality education for students facing barriers to academic success. They are seeking a dedicated attorney for the School Justice Project to provide representation, outreach, community education, and policy advocacy for youth involved in the juvenile and/or criminal legal system, ensuring they have access to appropriate educational services.
Education
Responsibilities
Represent youth involved in, or at risk of involvement in, the juvenile or criminal legal system and facing school-related challenges, including suspensions, school policing, pushout, lack of supports, inappropriate placements, or unmet special education needs
Advise families on their education rights in both community schools and correctional facilities
Facilitate referrals for evaluations and participate in school meetings
Advocate with schools, DOE administrators, ACS, DOC, and judges in Family, Criminal, and Supreme Courts
Collaborate with defense attorneys, alternatives-to-incarceration providers, and other professionals
Identify appropriate school placements and services
Represent families at IEP meetings, suspension hearings, Manifestation Determination Reviews, and special education hearings and appeals
Conduct outreach to professionals working with court-involved youth (e.g., alternatives-to-incarceration and detention providers, Close to Home providers, and court staff)
Develop materials and provide trainings, resources, and technical assistance to build capacity around education-related advocacy
Create and deliver know-your-rights trainings and materials for students and families
Use insights from direct representation and trainings to drive systemic reform
Draft letters, reports, and public comments on education issues affecting court-involved youth
Participate in city and state policy meetings and testify before the City Council
Collaborate with partner organizations to advance systemwide improvements in educational and vocational outcomes for court-involved youth
Qualification
Required
Understanding of and alignment with AFC's mission
Law degree required, with admission to the NYS bar preferred
Experience and/or knowledge of the juvenile and/or criminal legal system required
Desire to learn, both as an individual and as part of an organization, and apply diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism principles
Demonstrated commitment to serving the public interest
Experience with and/or knowledge of low-income and disability communities, education, civil rights
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively engage across cultures, identities, and ethnicities
Strong presentation skills and comfort with public speaking
Ability to engage and build relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including parents, community partners, and school staff
Ability to lead the management of projects, including tracking, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines
Organized, detail oriented, flexible, and able to work independently on tasks and deliverables
Proficient in Microsoft Office programs: Word, Outlook, SharePoint
Preferred
Admission to the NYS bar preferred
One to five years of relevant experience preferred
Spanish fluency preferred, but not required
Benefits
Medical and dental insurance, with a plan option that covers full payment of medical plan premiums for staff and their qualified dependents
10 federal holidays
Office closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day
15 vacation days and 15 paid time off days in the first year of employment
403(b) plan with a fully vested employer match
Coverage of the premium cost of life insurance and short-term and long-term disability insurance
Company
Advocates for Children of New York
For more than 50 years, Advocates for Children of New York has played an important and unique role in New York's public education community.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$1.15MKey Investors
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
2010-01-01Grant· $1.15M
Recent News
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
2023-10-30
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