Attorney 1,2,3

State of Louisiana•Baton Rouge, LA

2d•Onsite

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 to them under the 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. This position is responsible for providing legal representation for abused and neglected children and also for children and/or adults with mental disabilities and substance abuse disorders, in the Baton Rouge Region and surrounding area.

Requirements

Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law.
Candidate must possess a valid driver's license as well as a valid law license in the State of Louisiana.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Fulfills duties of loyalty, confidentiality, advocacy, and competent representation to clients.
Identifies and seeks to obtain appropriate resources for clients.
Avoids creating and attempts to reduce delays in CINC proceedings and advocates for timely permanence for the child.
Advises the child about the case, the child’s rights, the court system, the proceedings, counsel’s role, expectations of the legal process, the risks and benefits of possible courses of action, and other relief; determines the client’s desires and preferences in a developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive manner.
Engages in regular and meaningful communication with the child, including, but not limited to, face-to-face meetings with the child at the child’s placement and/or other locations outside of the courthouse.
Travels by personal vehicle to court, to meet with clients, to staff meetings, and to other required locations.
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.
Interviews individuals involved with the child; reviews relevant evidence; and attends treatment, placement, and administrative hearings; other proceedings involving legal issues; and school conferences or staffing as needed.
Attends treatment, placement, administrative hearings, and school conferences or staffing as needed.
Presents evidence, direct and cross-examines witnesses, offers exhibits, and provides independent evidence as necessary.
Decides whether to call the child as a witness and ensures that the child is prepared to testify.
Collects data required by the IV-E program, documents changes in client status per IV-E, compiles and organizes IV-E indicators and reasons for client changes, and updates support staff weekly on changes regarding every client on caseload.
Complies with Supreme Court of Louisiana requirements to practice law in Louisiana, including, but not limited to, education requirements to represent children in abuse and neglect cases.
Develops a strategy for the implementation of systems improvements in the protection of patient rights and the rights of children.