Job Description

Disability Rights New Jersey seeks a full-time Staff Attorney under the supervision of the Supervising Attorney and Legal Director. Disability Rights New Jersey provides legal assistance to individuals with disabilities in New Jersey. This position will focus on the rights of people living in institutional settings, advocating for less restrictive alternatives to guardianship, and related systemic advocacy. Disability Rights New Jersey is the designated protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities in the diverse state of New Jersey, providing individual and systemic advocacy and legal representation, training, technical assistance, and outreach to protect legal, civil, and human rights. The salary range for this position will be $82,000 to $88,750 for 0-3 years of experience. As a Staff Attorney on the Legal Team, this candidate will represent individual clients at the Office of Administrative Law and Superior Court levels, draft briefs and legal memoranda, provide advice and counsel on rights violations and service denial or reduction appeals, present webinars and educational presentations, write issue briefs, public reports and other public-facing work product, and engage in systemic advocacy, including systemic litigation. Candidates with knowledge of the administrative procedures of the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS), Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) are encouraged to apply. This candidate should have a strong commitment to public interest, and particularly a demonstrated interest in advocating for individuals with disabilities. This candidate should have strong legal writing and analytical skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. This position requires a law degree from an accredited college. This candidate must be barred in the state of New Jersey or be barred within one year of employment. The candidate must also be admitted to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey or be admitted within one year of their date of hire. This candidate must also have the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary federal security clearances required by federal funders. RESPONSIBILITIES: Interviews clients/guardians, identifies client concerns and establishes goals of service through retainer agreements. Performs investigations of client case matters, gathers evidence, and interviews clients, family members, witnesses and other relevant individuals. Prepares and/or presents webinars and self-advocacy materials; issues briefs, reports and other written outreach/education/training materials. Analyzes cases by identifying facts, issues and preparing potential solutions and strategies. Performs legal research and analysis on questions of law, procedure, practice, and evidence. Prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions, and other legal documents as requested and required. Prepares and assists in the development of cases for administrative hearings or trial, including preparation of exhibits, testimony, evidence, and other documents. Appears in administrative, trial, appellate, state, and federal courts to represent clients. Prepares Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Interrogatories, and other legal documents as required and requested. Engages in dispute resolution techniques, including negotiation and mediation, to resolve client complaints. QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates should have a strong commitment to public interest, and particularly a demonstrated interest in advocating for individuals with disabilities. Candidates should have strong legal writing and analytical skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Candidates must be barred in the state of New Jersey or be barred within one year of employment. Candidates must also be admitted to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey or be admitted within one year of their date of hire. Candidates must have the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary federal security clearances required by federal funders. Disability Rights New Jersey seeks candidates committed to diversity and the rights of individuals with disabilities to full inclusion in society. Presently, Disability Rights New Jersey staff work under a hybrid schedule, with some limited hours from home as work permits. All new hires will be on a three-month probationary period which will include additional in-office time and field visits. Disability Rights New Jersey is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Interested applicants should email a resume and a letter of interest to: Interview Committee, Disability Rights New Jersey atadvocate@disabilityrightsnj.org #J-18808-Ljbffr

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