Staff Attorney - Community Guardian Program

Staff Attorney – Community Guardian ProgramAs a Staff Attorney, you'll provide legal representation, counsel, and advocacy on behalf of JASA's Community Guardian Program. You'll support guardianship litigation, housing advocacy, public benefits representation, and legal compliance to protect and support some of New York City's most vulnerable adults.Shift Schedule:Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMHours Per Week:35Why You'll Love Working at JASAJASA is one of NYC's largest and most trusted nonprofit organizations serving older adults and vulnerable populations. Team members here do meaningful work that directly improves the lives of New Yorkers in need of advocacy and support.Top Reasons to Join Us:Meaningful Impact:Advocate for vulnerable adults facing legal, housing, healthcare, and benefits challengesHelp clients maintain dignity, independence, and community stabilityCollaborative Environment:Work closely with social workers, case managers, finance staff, healthcare providers, and court personnelEngage in multidisciplinary, mission-driven case planningProfessional Growth:Build expertise in guardianship law, housing law, and public interest litigationGain hands-on courtroom and advocacy experienceAbout the Community Guardian ProgramThe Community Guardian Program serves as a court-appointed guardian for hundreds of adults across New York City.Clients include individuals who:Have serious mental illnessAre experiencing homelessness or housing instabilityAre facing eviction or loss of benefitsHave no available family or friends to serve as guardianJASA is appointed only when no suitable alternative guardian is available.What You'll Be DoingAs a Staff Attorney, you'll handle legal matters related to guardianship, housing, and public benefits while supporting program compliance and client advocacy.Guardianship Litigation & Court RepresentationRepresent JASA in Article 81 guardianship proceedings from start to dischargeAppear in court for hearings, conferences, motion practice, and litigationDraft and review legal documents including: Orders to Show Cause, Petitions and Cross-Petitions, Affirmations in Opposition, Orders, Oaths, Designations, and CommissionsConduct legal research and prepare pleadings and motionsEnsure compliance with court mandates and guardianship obligationsLegal Counsel & Program SupportProvide legal guidance to CGP staff on fiduciary duties and complianceCollaborate with caseworkers, social workers, finance, and leadership teamsReview case files to identify legal risks and obligationsSupport development of comprehensive client service plansHousing & Benefits AdvocacyRepresent clients in NYC Housing Court matters, including: Non-payment proceedings, Holdover proceedings, HP proceedings, NYCHA administrative proceedingsProvide legal counsel on public benefits, including: Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, Social Security, Cash Assistance and other entitlementsAdvocate to maintain and restore critical benefits and servicesCollaboration & Stakeholder EngagementCoordinate with courts, government agencies, and service providersParticipate in staff meetings, trainings, and case conferencesWork with multidisciplinary teams to balance legal and service needsAdditional ResponsibilitiesTravel throughout New York City as neededWork occasional evenings or extended hours with limited noticePerform additional duties as assignedWhat You'll NeedEducation & LicensureJuris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law schoolAdmission to the New York State Bar in good standingExperience3+ years of litigation experience preferredExperience with Article 81 guardianship strongly preferredExperience in landlord-tenant law and Housing Court strongly preferredCommitment to public interest law and serving vulnerable populationsSkills & CompetenciesStrong knowledge of guardianship law and fiduciary responsibilitiesExperience with government benefits systems (Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security, etc.)Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skillsAbility to explain complex legal concepts clearlyStrong organizational and time management skillsAbility to work independently and exercise sound judgmentStrong collaboration and interpersonal skillsCommitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belongingTechnology SkillsProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google WorkspaceAbility to learn new systems and legal technology platformsBenefits at a GlanceJASA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and future.Health & WellnessMedical, Dental, and Vision coverage optionsEmployee Wellness Programs (fitness + mental health support)Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Retirement Savings403(b) retirement planPension plan with employer contributionsGenerous Time OffPaid vacation timeHolidays and floating holidaysPaid time off for work-life balanceProfessional DevelopmentTraining and continuing education opportunitiesCareer growth within the organizationEmployee RecognitionEmployee recognition programs celebrating contributionsEEO StatementJASA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law.