Attorney 1,2,3

State of Louisiana • Lake Charles, LA

34d

About The Position

The Office of Mental Health Advocacy Service has a vacancy. Our mission is to ensure that our clients' voices are heard and that they receive every right and remedy afforded them under law. Our goal is to provide high-quality legal counsel and representation to our clients, address systemic issues that affect the rights of more than one client and require a remedy, act as a clearinghouse for information relative to adults and children with mental health diagnoses and children in need of care, and provide training to various individuals/agencies Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law. The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.Job Duties:

Requirements

• Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law.
• Candidate must possess a valid driver's license.
• Travel is required.

Nice To Haves

• Applicants with experience working with juveniles and persons with mental illness and/or disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide competent, confidential, and ethical representation for all clients including but not limited to children, mental patients, disabled adults. Assisting with obtaining appropriate resources and advising clients of their rights.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of current law and judicial decisions to aid in providing timely assistance to clients in need.
• Attends and participates in hearings for treatment, placement, administration, as needed. Filing petitions, motions, answers, responses or objections as necessary.
• Advocates for the desires and expressed preference of the child and follows the child's direction throughout the case in a developmentally appropriate manner. To the extent that a child does not or will not express his/her desires and preferences about particular issues, determines and advocates for the child's best interest.
• Conducts thorough, continuing and independent investigations and discovery, including but not limited to: Reviewing social service, psychiatric, psychological, drug and alcohol, medical, law enforcement, school, court, DSS, provider and other records of the child.
• Provides mental patients with legal representation at all stages of their confinement. Identifying and addressing violation of patient rights.
• Provides guidance, assistance, supervision and lead worker responsibilities to support staff and attorneys of lower rank, as directed.
• Develops strategy for implementation of systems improvements in the protection of patient rights and the rights of children.
• Trains other staff members, various mental health professionals and various groups in the community on the legal rights of patients and responsibilities of treatment providers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees