Staff Attorney - Community Guardian Program

Jewish Association for Services for the Aged•New York, NY

About The Position

The Staff Attorney provides legal representation, counsel, and advocacy on behalf of JASA’s Community Guardian Program (CGP), which serves as a court-appointed guardian for hundreds of adults across New York City when no suitable alternative guardian is available. The program serves clients who may have serious mental illness, homelessness or housing instability, eviction risk, or loss of benefits, and who may lack family or friends able to serve as guardian. The attorney handles guardianship litigation, housing matters, and public benefits advocacy while supporting program compliance and client services. The role works closely with social workers, caseworkers, finance staff, leadership, healthcare providers, courts, government agencies, and service providers. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, for 35 hours per week, with travel throughout New York City as needed and occasional evenings or extended hours with limited notice.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Admission to the New York State Bar in good standing.
Commitment to public interest law and serving vulnerable populations.
Strong knowledge of guardianship law and fiduciary responsibilities.
Experience with government benefits systems, including Medicaid, SNAP, and Social Security.
Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skills.
Ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
Ability to learn new systems and legal technology platforms.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of litigation experience preferred.
Experience with Article 81 guardianship strongly preferred.
Experience in landlord-tenant law and Housing Court strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Represent JASA in Article 81 guardianship proceedings from start to discharge.
Appear in court for hearings, conferences, motion practice, and litigation.
Draft and review Orders to Show Cause, petitions and cross-petitions, affirmations in opposition, orders, oaths, designations, and commissions.
Conduct legal research and prepare pleadings and motions.
Ensure compliance with court mandates and guardianship obligations.
Provide legal guidance to Community Guardian Program staff on fiduciary duties and compliance.
Collaborate with caseworkers, social workers, finance staff, and leadership teams.
Review case files to identify legal risks and obligations.
Support development of comprehensive client service plans.
Represent clients in NYC Housing Court matters, including non-payment, holdover, and HP proceedings, as well as NYCHA administrative proceedings.
Advise clients on public benefits, including Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, Social Security, Cash Assistance, and other entitlements.
Advocate to maintain and restore clients’ critical benefits and services.
Coordinate with courts, government agencies, and service providers.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and case conferences.
Work with multidisciplinary teams to balance legal and service needs.
Travel throughout New York City as needed.
Work occasional evenings or extended hours with limited notice.
Perform additional duties as assigned.