CSEC ATTORNEY

Children's Law Center of California•Monterey Park, CA

just now•$88,510 - $118,946•Hybrid

About The Position

The CSEC Program provides a collaborative and intensive model of legal representation and service delivery to some of CLC’s most high-need clients: youth in foster care who have been trafficked or exploited. A CSEC Attorney will represent up to 60 CSEC clients at any given time, advocating for youth and emerging adult clients both in and outside of the courtroom. The CSEC Attorney will also collaborate with a cross sector of child welfare, workforce, educational, and other community and county agencies working with transition-age clients to ensure access to necessary resources and services to prepare for life after foster care.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree
Member in good standing of the State Bar of California
Deep understanding of the child welfare system, the California Welfare and Institutions Code, Rules of Court, Local Rules, and DCFS policy.
High standards of ethical and professional conduct.
Must be able to handle high-stress situations and maintain composure while working with clients. The role demands strong emotional resilience and the ability to provide support & care in a challenging and dynamic environment
Interest & proficiency in working with children & youth in diverse communities.
Have an inclusive, deeply human approach to client’s wellbeing.
Ability to convey legal arguments logically and effectively in oral & written form.
A valid California driver’s license, reliable automobile, and auto insurance are required while working for Children’s Law Center.

Nice To Haves

Prior attendance at CSEC 101 training
Prior attendance at CSEC 102 training
One year dependency or juvenile justice experience

Responsibilities

Provide direct representation for up to 60 youth within the first year in the CSEC dependency courtroom
Attend and participate in multi-disciplinary meetings (MDTs) on behalf of clients
Pick up all new Welfare & Institutions Code Section 300(b)(2) filings assigned to the CSEC dependency courtroom; accept transfers of CSEC identified cases from other CLC firms
Collaborate with other members of the CLC CSEC Team which may include attorney and investigator supervisors, investigators, peer advocates, MSW interns and other supporting staff
Work closely with the Supervising Attorney to attend and participate in meetings which may include, but are not limited to: CSEC Steering Committee Meeting, Victim Witness Protocol Meeting, ICAN CSEC Meeting, CLC CSEC Monthly Check-in Conference Calls
Develop professional relationships with CSEC service providers in the community
Assist the Policy Team as needed on issues of legislation and policy impacting CSEC youth
Attend at least one CSEC training per month; Attend at some Saturday CSEC Empowerment Events and the 3-day Annual Empowerment Conference
Provide CSEC training and consultation to case-carrying CLC attorneys, investigators, peer advocates and other staff as needed
Continuous learning: staying informed and adapting evolving social dynamics to better engage and support clients from all backgrounds.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Program
Company-Sponsored Benefits (Medical, Dental, Life Insurance)
Up to 6% employer matched retirement plan
Generous Parental Leave + Additional Leave Options
Fitness/Wellness Program
Health Care & Dependent Day Care FSA
Transit + Parking Benefits
Durfee Professional Development funds are available for all employees, in good standing, who have been with CLC for at least two years.
Flexible working environment (depending on position requirements)
Paid vacation/sick/holiday time
CLC will pay the current year’s mandatory bar dues for all attorneys actively employed on the date bar dues are owed and who have no known plans to end employment with CLC within 30 days of the due date. CLC will also pay bar dues for new admittees who are actively employed on their initial payment due date and have no known plans to end employment with CLC within 30 days of the due date.