Housing/Public Benefits Staff Attorney - Mount Vernon, NY

Housing/Public Benefits Staff Attorney – Mount Vernon, NY Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) has an immediate opening in our Mount Vernon office for a full-time staff attorney to work on public benefits and housing matters in Mount Vernon, NY. The attorney will also serve low-income individuals and families with matters including eviction, unlawful lockouts, habitability issues, emergency housing denials, succession rights challenges, and Section 8 hearings and advocacy work. Work will also include representation in public benefits matters, including Public Assistance denials. Medicaid issues, SNAP benefits, and Unemployment Insurance benefits cases. Duties of the Position: individual case work, administrative advocacy and litigation in city courts and justice courts, including appellate practice, and education and outreach efforts directed at community members, advocates and service providers. The person hired will also be expected to adhere to program and case handling standards, funder requirements, the highest professional standards, and be available as a resource to LSHV staff and access to justice communities. Occasional appearances in night court pertaining to housing matters, may be required.

Qualifications

Member in good standing of the New York State Bar; or out-of-state admission with eligibility and willingness to be admitted in NYS. LSHV will consider law school graduates who have taken or plan to take the NYS Bar Exam. Understanding of the nature and dynamics of housing and benefits; Ability to handle a large caseload; Excellent people skills; Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders. Preferred Two or more years of legal experience, including litigation, preferably with a background in housing and public benefits; Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income persons with prior experience in legal services or a similar program Salary: $78,850 - $145,784, DOE, union scale, with excellent benefits that include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage, as well as a defined contribution to a 403 (b), loan repayment assistance, and paid parental leave. After a brief probationary period, this position may permit work from home up to two days per week. Professional development includes access to job-related training, a Mentoring Program, and an Emerging Leaders Program. Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. Experience: 2 years required