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Staff Attorney, Disability Advocacy Program
Empire Justice Center - Rochester, NY
posted about 1 month ago
About the position
The Staff Attorney for the Disability Advocacy Program at Empire Justice Center is responsible for providing direct legal representation to low-income individuals with disabilities in Monroe County. This role involves advocating for clients whose claims for federal disability benefits have been denied or terminated, representing them at administrative hearings and appeals before the Social Security Administration. The position requires a strong commitment to social justice and the ability to work effectively with marginalized populations.
Responsibilities
- Developing an in-depth knowledge of Social Security disability law, policy, and procedures
- Screening potential clients, conducting intakes, and reviewing new matters for case acceptance
- Representing claimants at administrative hearings and appeals before the Social Security Administration
- Interviewing clients and providing legal advice about the Social Security appeals process
- Maintaining professional, compassionate, and effective relationships with clients
- Analyzing legal issues through review of documents, client meetings, and legal research
- Developing medical and other evidence
- Advocating for clients before the Social Security Administration and other agencies involved in the disability appeals process
- Engaging in hearing advocacy through oral argument, direct and cross-examination, and introduction of evidence
- Preparing written memoranda and outreach materials
- Participating in community outreach
- Attending continuing legal education events relevant to Social Security disability appeals
- Keeping accurate case and time records in the case management system
- Participating in federal district court litigation, as needed
- Performing administrative and support-related duties as needed to serve clients
Requirements
- Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited US law school or international equivalent
- Admission to the New York State Bar and in good standing as a member of the bar
- At least 1-2 years of professional experience
- Ability to work on a team
- Strong communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Document drafting experience
- Client experience in legal advocacy
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Legal research skills
Nice-to-haves
- Bilingual skills for salary enhancement
Benefits
- Health insurance (employer pays 100% premium for a high quality, co-pay insurance plan)
- 403(b) eligibility with 1% employer match and additional employer contribution
- 3% Non-Elective Annual Contribution made by Empire Justice Center
- Generous vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time
- 14 Paid Holidays
- Vacation PTO: 10.5 Hours/Month
- Sick PTO: 7 Hours/Month
- Personal PTO: 5 Days/Year
- Loan Repayment Assistance Program
- Voluntary Supplemental Disability
- Dental Insurance (employee paid)
- Vision Insurance (employee paid)
- $150K Group Term Life Insurance
- Generous Bereavement Leave
- 35-hour full-time work week
- NYS Short-Term Disability
- FSA Eligibility
