Staff Attorney (STEHP)
STAFF ATTORNEY FOR SCHENECTADY COUNTY SOLUTIONS TO END HOMELESSNESS PROGRAM (STEHP)
Responsibilities: The attorney will be responsible for implementing LASNNY’s County of Schenectady Solutions to End Homelessness Program (STEHP). The attorney will provide legal assistance to eligible County of Schenectady at risk households by preventing evictions, securing mainstream income benefits and making referrals to services which will enhance the household’s ability to maintain permanent housing. The attorney will provide legal assistance in maintaining or securing permanent housing and income necessary to retain permanent housing. Legal assistance will include eviction defense, affirmative and defensive actions to improve housing conditions, obtaining and maintaining public and subsidized housing tenancies and subsidies, addressing utility shut offs or denials of service, securing emergency assistance, ongoing temporary assistance and other income supports necessary to achieving housing stability and representing eligible tenants in support of campaigns to address the causes of their homelessness and economic insecurity. The attorney will be expected to provide a full range of legal services, including counsel and advice, representation in administrative hearings, affirmative and defensive litigation, systemic advocacy, community legal education, outreach and engagement and community lawyering. The attorney will also be expected to work collaboratively with community partner agencies and coordinate services with other LASNNY staff serving Schenectady County and City at risk and homeless households. The attorney will be expert in the Emergency Solutions Grant Program requirements and compliance therewith and will work collaboratively other LASNNY housing attorneys to ensure that efficient and effective legal assistance is provided which maximizes access to LAS services and addresses systemic issues that cause homelessness.
Salary Range: $46,307 – $59,700 DOE We are a unionized program and our fringe benefits are excellent.
Application Deadline: COB June 3, 2019
Requirements: Admission to New York State Bar. One to eight years’ experience. Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to helping poor and disadvantaged people overcome institutional barriers to employment, safety, housing and income supports. Must be intelligent, hardworking, careful, reliable, have good judgment, attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment and sensitivity to the low-income community. Must be able to communicate effectively with clients and staff, work independently and efficiently and be able to problem solve and work collaboratively with community partner agency staff. Training or experience in community lawyering or community organizing or engagement, demonstrated strong listening and relationship building skills, experience, creativity and willingness to use varied legal and non-legal advocacy tools to advance community identified initiatives preferred. Must be willing to travel throughout the 16 county service area, and have a car and a clean valid New York driver’s license. Strong computer, administrative, reporting and data entry skills required. Ability to speak Spanish a plus.
Application Deadline: COB June 3, 2019 Any applications that do not have a cover letter, resume and writing sample will not be considered. To apply, please go to www.lasnny.org