Staff Attorney

St Johns Community Health•San Bernardino, CA

About The Position

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Post-Incarceration Staff Attorney to provide legal support and advocacy for individuals reentering society after incarceration in the San Bernardino Area. This role focuses on addressing the civil legal needs of formerly incarcerated individuals, including expungement, employment rights, housing access, family reunification, and parole/probation matters. The Staff Attorney provides consultation & professional representation at hearings or courts on issues such as protection orders, family law, immigration, housing/tenancy, public benefits, education and employment; provides legal training and Know Your Rights Workshops to staff and clients. SJCH serves largely disenfranchised communities – individuals and families living in poverty: immigrants (both documented and undocumented); Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other People of Color; LGBTQ+; victims of human trafficking and domestic violence; individuals and families affected by the criminal justice system; and disenfranchised youth. Staff Attorneys are hired to provide legal representation to patients served under various grant funded programs and are expected to hold specific and general expertise in one or more areas of law, or in assisting patients with the lingering effects of involvement with the criminal justice system during and post incarceration.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
Admission to the California State Bar and be in good standing.
Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care to address the unique needs of the vulnerable population served.
Minimum of 3 years of legal experience, with a focus on re-entry/post-incarceration law.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills: Ability to engage with diverse community members and convey complex legal concepts in an understandable manner.
Commitment to public interest law: Passion for serving vulnerable populations and promoting social justice.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Empathy and compassion for individuals facing legal challenges and a commitment to providing high-quality services.
Proficiency in legal research, document preparation, and case management software is necessary.
Knowledge of community resources and experience in community outreach is beneficial.
Experience working in underserved communities such as undocumented workers, unaccompanied minors, LGBT populations, communities of color, youth/adolescents, and those experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, and/or mental illness.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
Knowledge of community resources and experience in community outreach is beneficial.
Experience working in underserved communities such as undocumented workers, unaccompanied minors, LGBT populations, communities of color, youth/adolescents, and those experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, and/or mental illness.

Responsibilities

Represent clients in civil and administrative legal proceedings in San Bernardino County.
Assist clients with criminal record sealing/expungement petitions.
Advocate for clients’ rights in employment, housing, and benefits-related matters.
Collaborate with reentry support programs and community organizations.
Conduct legal clinics, trainings, and community outreach.
Maintain accurate case records and comply with reporting requirements.
Assist clients with employment or housing issues stemming from crimes committed at work or at their home.
Assist with the development of an outreach plan to the St. John’s patient community and surrounding communities regarding the services offered by St. John’s.
Attend meetings of various St. John’s partners and advocacy organizations for victims of crimes
Attend meetings, trainings, and other work-related events as needed.
As an exempt position, evening and/or weekend hours may be required to ensure the fulfillment of all duties and responsibilities.
Guide clients through the process of advocating for their rights and ensuring access to necessary resources.
Work closely with support staff to streamline administrative processes and enhance overall client support.
Conduct local area travel for outreach purposes, connecting with the community and ensuring that individuals are aware of available legal services.
Provide Legal Services education to SJCH clinic staff and program staff.
Given capacity limits, also provide legal services to patients of St John’s.