Empire Justice Center, a highly respected, statewide nonprofit law firm, is seeking a Public Benefits Attorney to join our team. This is an opportunity to join one of the most effective organizations serving low-income individuals and families in New York State.
Empire Justice Center attracts and employs dedicated, determined, and passionate advocates who, together, make a significant impact on the lives of low-income New Yorkers. We achieve our successes through direct legal representation and high-impact litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, and by providing training and technical assistance to other advocates who are working towards the same goals.
Our organization offers staff an exciting and dynamic working environment and a strong commitment to teamwork, diversity, and personal/professional development.
The Position:
The work will primarily focus on identifying and addressing systemic barriers to the receipt of government benefits, such as cash assistance, and SNAP, with a special focus on preventing homelessness. Our work also includes access to affordable, quality childcare and child support issues affecting low-income. New Yorkers and ensuring equitable access to benefits for people with disabilities, New Yorkers with limited English proficiency, LGBTQ+ members of our community, and other marginalized groups. The successful candidate will be expected to address these issues as part of a team through direct legal assistance, impact litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, and providing training and support to others in the community. We are looking for a self-motivated, independent advocate who will, over time, develop sufficient expertise to be an active member of the team, help coordinate our work and become a leader in the field.
The position is located in Albany, New York. We will consider locating the position in one of our other offices (Rochester, Yonkers, or Central Islip) for an exceptional candidate. Empire Justice Center offers significant remote work flexibility.
Primary responsibilities will include:
The ideal candidate will have several years of public benefits experience, but we will consider a person with a strong interest in public benefits who demonstrates the ability to litigate and lead. In addition to litigation interest and experience, the successful candidate will be expected to write or to coordinate research and writing topics relevant and informative to policymakers. Our work environment is collegial, cooperative, and fast-paced.
Candidates for this position will have:
• JD with 1-5 years of experience
• Public benefits experience
• Litigation experience or a deep interest in pursuing litigation in this area
• Bilingual Spanish, both written and verbal, highly desired
• Be able to produce high quality written material, meet tight deadlines, and work both independently and as part of a team
• Have strong analytical and writing skills
Salary and Benefits:
Salary range is between $54,000 to $62,500. Salary is commensurate with experience and based on the organization's salary scale.
Empire Justice Center offers a generous benefits package, including health insurance, pension, and life insurance, vacation, holiday, personal and sick time. We are an organization that supports and encourages a work/life balance and offers flexible remote work schedules.
Empire Justice Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and desires a diverse workforce. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, and persons who are elderly, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender are welcomed and encouraged to apply.
To Apply:
Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to; employment@empirejustice.org Please include, Public Benefits Attorney, First/Last Name to the subject line of the email. Position available immediately. Applications are accepted until the position is filled No phone calls or hard copies please. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Public Benefits Attorney
employment@empirejustice.org |