Job Summary: In partnership with the Syracuse Housing Authority, the Reentry Clinic is providing legal services through the Juvenile Reentry Assistance Program (JRAP), a multi-state program funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Working closely with the Director of Advocacy Services and the Assistant Coordinator of the Reentry Clinic, the JRAP Reentry Clinic Attorney is responsible for assisting clients (youth ages 14 – 24 years old) who have been involved in the juvenile or adult criminal justice system and who currently reside in public housing, or, but for their criminal record, would be living in public housing. Assistance includes reviewing criminal history records, correcting errors on records, applying for sealing of eligible convictions/adjudications, counseling clients on their criminal histories and employment rights, and assisting clients in obtaining Certificates of Rehabilitation.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Identify potential legal barriers to successful reintegration, particularly in the areas of employment and education.
Assist clients in addressing errors on their criminal history records by communicating with court personnel, obtaining certificates of disposition and sealing orders and conveying such information to the appropriate law enforcement agency, and identifying when a legal motion to dismiss stale arrests is necessary or a conditional sealing.
Identify if clients are eligible for Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or Certificate of Good Conduct, and if eligible, assist client in applying for such certificates.
Working closely with other program staff, counsel clients on their criminal history records and employment rights, and strategize with clients on how best to discuss their criminal history records with potential employers and/or higher education admissions on applications or during interviews.
Develop and assist in presenting JRAP education at monthly SHA tenant meetings.
Maintain case files and program data as required. Assist with project reports.
JD required, New York bar admission preferred; Required: interest or experience in criminal justice field; commitment to working with people, particularly youth, of diverse backgrounds; excellent writing and advocacy skills; attention to detail; and computer literacy (word processing, e-mail, internet research, data entry. Preferred: bilingual (English/Spanish).
Please send cover letter indicating position applying for and resume to:
Center for Community Alternatives
115 E. Jefferson Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
fax: (315) 471-4924
email: [email protected]
CCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer