The Legal Aid Society's Civil Practice is seeking two Staff Attorneys to work in the Education Law Project (ELP). ELP advocates for students with disabilities ages 0 to 21 to ensure the provision of appropriate early intervention, preschool, and school-age special education services. ELP also assists families with enrollment and other non-special education related issues, as well as providing representation at school suspension hearings. ELP is participating in a new Medical-Legal Partnership with Mt. Sinai-St. Luke's Children and Family Institute (CFI) to provide education advocacy to children who are receiving mental health treatment and/or intensive home-based intervention services through a NYS Medical Waiver program. Staff will conduct on-site client intake and closely collaborate with the team of CFI psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers. Staff will also represent a limited number of families of children in Manhattan and Bronx who are referred through non-CFI channels.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
* Staff weekly intake and office hours on-site at CFI to meet with families and clinicians
* Analyze education and medical records, develop education plans, and advocate for appropriate school placements and services
* Develop and conduct quarterly "Know Your Rights" trainings for parents
* Develop and conduct biannual trainings on education issues for CFI clinicians
* Provide training, technical assistance, and advice on education issues for Civil Practice staff
* Attend joint CFI/ELP trainings conducted by CFI staff on trauma-informed treatment and other relevant topics
* Represent families at special education meetings, mediations, impartial hearings, and appeals
* Represent students at school suspension hearings, manifestation determination reviews, and appeals
* Provide technical assistance to clinicians and school staff
* Conduct school visits
* Participate in project-wide policy initiatives 
* Conduct off-site intake and training, including during evening hours as needed.

SECONDARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
* Other duties as assigned

* Admission to NYS Bar. Those applicants who have pending applications for NYS bar admission or are sitting for the first scheduled NYC bar exam following applicant's law school graduation will be considered.
* Minimum three years of experience in education law or knowledge of/prior experience in an education setting
* Ability to work independently as well as on a team and manage a high volume of cases
* Interest and experience in working with children and families dealing with significant mental health issues
* Willingness to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of lawyers, social workers, psychiatrists, and psychologists in a clinical setting
* Excellent written, oral, and advocacy skills
* Excellent organizational skills, including ability to meet frequent deadlines in data entry and case management responsibilities 
* Demonstrated commitment to and experience in public interest law and civil legal services
* Experience in developing and conducting training materials for advocates and clients
* Proficiency in Spanish is desirable, but not required

The Legal Aid Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer -- Women, People of Color, Gays and Lesbians, Transgender People, Veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

If you have any questions about this posting email jobpostquestions@legal-aid.org.