AFC Seeks Staff Attorney for its Immigrant Students’ Rights Project
Advocates for Children of New York, Inc. (AFC) is a not-for-profit organization that works in partnership with New York City’s most disadvantaged families to secure quality public education services. AFC works on behalf of children and youth who are at greatest risk of academic failure due to poverty, race, ethnicity, disability, homelessness, immigration status/limited English proficiency or involvement in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems. AFC uses uniquely integrated strategies to advance systemic reform, empower families and communities, and advocate for the educational rights of individual students. AFC seeks a bilingual Spanish-speaking staff attorney for its Immigrant Students’ Rights Project, which aims to assist underserved immigrant families to obtain high quality, appropriate educational services.
Responsibilities will include direct representation of families in special education administrative hearings and school discipline hearings, as well as case management responsibilities, including attendance at special education review meetings and school visits. The attorney will also be responsible for providing training and technical assistance to parents and a range of non-profits to build the capacity of these individuals and organizations to address educational issues. The attorney will also work on policy analysis, research and advocacy or litigation related to students and their families.
Specifically, the position will include: 1) providing case services and legal representation to clients; 2) performing outreach and providing workshops, which may occasionally occur on nights and weekends, to parents, youth and professionals about their rights to attend school and receive adequate educational services; 3) promoting inter-agency coordination to facilitate better delivery of educational services; and 4) supporting ongoing policy advocacy work on English Language Learner and immigrant student issues.
Qualifications:
- Law degree and admission or pending admission to the NYS bar;
- Demonstrated commitment to AFC’s mission;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills;
- Spanish language fluency;
- Experience working with immigrant, low-income and special needs communities, especially an understanding of the cultural issues that often accompany language barriers;
- Interest in and knowledge of educational issues and issues affecting children, low-income families, immigrant communities, etc.;
- Experience working with children and families;
- Ability to work well with others on collaborative projects;
- Knowledge and experience of community based agencies and youth and human services providers;
- Organizational skills, flexibility, initiative, maturity, cooperative attitude;
- Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access skills strongly preferred or a willingness to learn;
- Ability to keep a cool head in a busy atmosphere.
How to apply:
Send an email with “ISRP Attorney” in the subject line with a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references via email. Only candidates being scheduled for interviews will be contacted. The position is available in September of 2012, and resumes will be considered on a rolling basis. For more information on AFC, see the website.
Compensation:
The salary depends on experience and includes generous benefits.