PADD Supervising Attorney (Brooklyn NY)

JOB DESCRIPTION

DRNY seeks a Supervising Attorney in its Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (PADD) Program. The Supervising Attorney will provide supervision and support to PADD staff attorneys, coordination of PADD program activities, and assistance with the administration of the state-wide PADD program. The Supervising Attorney will also provide direct legal services and engage in individual and systemic advocacy on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including addressing allegations of abuse and neglect and using litigation and other advocacy tools to assure compliance with federal and state laws protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. This position reports to the Director of the PADD Program.

Essential Functions

• Supervise staff attorneys, including assigning intakes, reviewing of work product, assisting with the preparation for direct representation, project management, and mentoring;
• Represent DRNY in community meetings and PADD Network meetings on behalf of the PADD program;
• Analyze existing cases as well as other matters to determine if they present systemic issues which may be appropriate for DRNY to address;
• Investigate allegations or complaints of abuse and neglect and requests for advocacy from people with disabilities, family members, friends, and other concerned parties;
• Provide individual advocacy or legal representation to people with disabilities, including conducting client and other interviews, identifying issues, determining a course of action, developing and implementing appropriate advocacy strategies, negotiating solutions to problems, and/or encouraging self-advocacy, when appropriate;
• Implement the Human Resources policies, procedures and practices of the organization;
• Provide legal, administrative and other appropriate means of representation to ensure protection of the rights of eligible individuals;
• Ensure adherence to identified Priorities and Goals of the PADD Program; 
• Consult with professionals such as attorneys, physicians, psychologists, therapists, educators, and others to identify options and barriers for individuals and groups;
• Monitor state and private facilities such as psychiatric centers, hospitals, nursing homes, community facilities for individuals with disabilities, board and care homes, homeless shelters, jails, and prisons for abuse, neglect and compliance with federal and state laws protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities;
• Assist people with disabilities in advocacy and systems change efforts;
• Support DRNY projects and initiatives that foster self-determination and self-advocacy, and coalition building;
• Lead task forces, coalitions, and committees as assigned, as well as conduct training and outreach activities; 
• Maintain accurate, confidential files which document advocacy services provided;
• Assist in preparing reports, including annual PADD Performance Progress Report;
• Maintain accurate time records and client records, including accurate use of the Disability Advocacy Database (DAD), which is necessary 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 other related and requested tasks consistent with skills, abilities, and general responsibilities as required to support DRNY;
• Travel throughout New York State and outside of New York State as necessary to perform assigned job tasks.

Qualifications 

• Member in good standing of the New York State Bar (or ability to gain admission within a reasonable time), and maintain such standing throughout employment with DRNY;
• Minimum of 7 years of post-law school legal experience;
• Minimum 5 years litigation experience in State or Federal Court;
• Experience advocating for people with disabilities or similarly underserved populations;
• Prior supervisory experience preferred;
• Knowledge of the P&A system preferred;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Ability to work efficiently, independently and collaboratively.

The Supervising Attorney should also demonstrate competence in the following:

• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and business practices, and ensure that own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.
• Support Diversity: Treat all people with respect; value diverse perspectives; treat others fairly without regard to disability, race, sex, color, religion, or sexual orientation; recognize differences as opportunities to learn and gain by working together.
• Communicate Effectively: Communicate in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency, and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
• Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
• Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities.
• Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
• Focus on Client Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.
• Demonstrate Professionalism: Complete work in a timely, consistent manner; work hours necessary to complete assigned work; is regularly present and punctual; arrive prepared for work; devote energy to do the best job possible; keep commitments.