Fellowship with Disability Rights New York Opportunities to Work on Criminal Justice Issues for People with Mental Illness Overview Disability Rights New York (DRNY), the Protection and Advocacy system for New York State, is seeking innovative, self-motivated attorneys with a passion for achieving justice for individuals with mental health disabilities in the criminal justice system. This is an opportunity to join a statewide organization advancing the legal rights of people with disabilities to work on systemic reform in the criminal justice system. As a Protection and Advocacy system, DRNY challenges systemic abuse, neglect, discrimination, and legal rights violations through litigation, public investigations, advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders. Justice for individuals with mental health disabilities is a major focus of DRNY�s work. Fellowship on Criminal Justice and People with Mental Health Disabilities (Rochester, NY) The Fellow will focus on criminal justice issues for people with mental illness that are housed in local jails by (1) surveying jails to assess mental health screening, treatment, and programming, and identifying gaps in services; (2) reviewing disciplinary, restraint and segregation policies and practices; (3) researching the status of jail mental health oversight in New York and model practices in other states; (4) developing a strategy to address identified service gaps and oversight issues, including coalition building with others in the field; and (5) working with DRNY attorneys with expertise in mental health law to implement identified strategies. This is a one-year Fellowship which may be renewed for a second year. The Fellow will work closely with the Director of the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI). Fellows will also collaborate with the PAIMI team of attorneys as well as partners in the disability network across the state. Travel is required. Experience and Qualifications Law degree from an accredited law school Licensed to practice law, or recent law school graduates who have sat for the July 2017 bar examination, preferably in New York Personal and/or professional experience working on criminal justice issues Personal and/or professional experience working with people with mental health disabilities or under-represented populations strongly preferred Practiced knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972 and federal civil rights law Excellent research, writing, organization, and task management skills Effective communication and interpersonal skills with people with a wide range of backgrounds and communication abilities Experience with public speaking, conducting trainings and/or giving presentations Ability to work collaboratively with DRNY attorneys, clients, and third-party stakeholders Passion for advancing the rights and lives of individuals with disabilities
Competitive salary based on education and experience. Exceptional benefits including Health, Dental, Retirement, Life, AD&D, and LTD. Vacation and sick leave. HOW TO APPLY Submit the following by email to elisabeth.taylor@drny.org. A letter of interest that identifies the Fellowship you are applying for and includes a 1-2 page description of your approach to achieve the tasks identified in the Fellowship you are applying for; A resume of relevant experience; Two writing samples demonstrating issue analysis and legal writing skills; Names and contact information for three (3) professional references
DRNY is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. |