Staff Attorney - Government Benefits Unit

Legal Services NYC • New York, NY

11d • $88,181 - $143,685

About The Position

Manhattan Legal Services (MLS), part of Legal Services NYC, seeks staff attorneys to represent low-income clients in government benefits matters. The Government Benefits Unit works to help clients retain, obtain, or increase public benefits, including public assistance, SNAP/Food Stamps, WIC, emergency rental arrears grants, and rental subsidies such as FHEPS and CityFHEPS. The unit also assists with health law issues, including access to public health insurance and services such as Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care.

Attorneys will represent clients in public benefits matters and contribute to the growth of the unit’s practice through community education and public policy advocacy. They will participate in working groups seeking institutional changes in agency practices and collaborate with other LSNYC benefits units on systemic improvements. The role involves working in a fast-paced environment with clients and communities and using creative strategies in the pursuit of justice.

LSNYC provides employees opportunities for growth and professional development, including access to its Justice Learning Center, which offers free CLEs and opportunities to gain experience as a trainer. The position is non-managerial. Non-managerial staff are members of the LSSA/NOLSW UAW Local 2320 Union. Employees are strongly encouraged to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations unless exempt for medical or religious reasons.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience as a legal services attorney, including work involving public benefits, Medicaid, or housing benefits.
• Experience and expertise in One-Shot Deals, SNAP, Medicaid, and other public benefits.
• Consistently prompt and highly responsive communication habits.
• Collaborative orientation, ability to work on a team, and a solution-oriented approach.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
• Experience working with underserved communities.
• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the New York Bar.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in a language other than English and Spanish.
• Strong cultural or personal ties to the communities served.

Responsibilities

• Assess potential clients for public benefits eligibility by conducting intake and interviewing Manhattan tenants at Housing Court who are referred through New York City’s right-to-counsel initiative.
• Advocate with administrative agencies to challenge denials, reductions, or terminations of public benefits.
• Conduct community education and outreach.
• Provide case advocacy, including assistance with housing subsidy and public assistance applications and administrative hearings.
• Represent clients in administrative proceedings, Civil Court, Supreme Court, and federal court.
• Help grow the public benefits practice and engage in public policy advocacy on public benefits issues.
• Participate in working groups focused on improving agency practices and collaborate with other LSNYC benefits units on systemic change.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Generous paid leave
• Employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan
• Access to the Justice Learning Center, including free CLEs and opportunities to gain experience as a trainer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree