The Elder, Health and Disability Unit (EHDU) at Greater Boston Legal Services seek a staff attorney. The Unit represents elders, people with disabilities and families to ensure that they have income, health care and services needed to live independently in the community. Our work promotes affordable housing for seniors, access to quality health care for all, and access to SSI income for children and adults. Our special projects include: Medicare Advocacy Project, Elder Abuse Prevention Project, Children’s Disability Project, and School to Prison Pipeline Intervention Project.
The attorney will primarily staff the School to Prison Pipeline Intervention Project, representing low-income students in school discipline and related special education cases, as well as engaging in policy advocacy and systemic litigation. Responsibilities include: Partnering with student organizers to achieve organizers’ goals related to school discipline and school-based rights; conducting intensive outreach efforts with mental health care providers, attorneys in other practice areas, social workers, homeless shelter staffs, etc; managing an active caseload of at least 25 full representation cases plus additional advice and brief service matters; collaborating with legal services, civil rights organizations, and child-focused organizations across the state to advocate for policy changes; advocating for the interests of low-income students of color and students with disabilities across state agencies, school districts, and school associations; maintaining up-to-date knowledge and skills in education law and other poverty law substantive areas as needed and relevant; and performing other work of the Unit as needed.
GBLS is an AA/EO/Handicapped accessible employer committed to diversity in the workforce and regards differences as assets. Salary is based on union scale. Generous benefits package, including 100% paid health and dental for full-time employees and student loan repayment assistance plan for eligible attorneys.
Requirements: Admission to the Massachusetts Bar or comity; 2-4 years of experience in school discipline, special education, or related education work; Excellent writing, research, and organization; Demonstrated commitment to racial justice and antipoverty legal work; Culturally competent and able to respectfully serve clients of color with a wide range of experiences, abilities, and backgrounds; Experience effectively collaborating with community organizers and community groups, ideally student organizers and youth groups. Bi-lingual ability in a language commonly spoken by GBLS’ clients is preferred but not required.
Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and brief writing sample to Sonia Marquez, Director of Human Resources, via e-mail at [email protected]. Please refer to Job Code: EHD-ATT when applying for this position. Deadline is April 24, 2017 or until the position is filled.