Staff Attorney (Legal)
The Education Staff Attorney provides legal representation in educational matters including school enrollment, discipline and special education
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform duties in compliance with the Juvenile Act and the KidsVoice Advocacy Roadmap.
- Act as the educational decision maker (EDM) when KidsVoice is appointed.
- Visit clients as needed to perform duties as the EDM .
- Work with the case team as the EDM to advocate for the client and help formulate recommendations for court in relation to education.
- Negotiate and advocate for educational resources and supports to address clients' needs and participate in all relevant/appropriate client planning meetings and conferences as necessary in order to meet the duties of the EDM.
- Prepare and prioritize cases, maintain files and databases with all relevant client information in a shared caseload with other staff.
- Represent clients in disciplinary proceedings and if applicable, special education litigation matters such as Due Process and Administrative hearings and complaints.
- Consult internally on non-EDM cases when needed regarding education issues.
- Attend meetings, make phone calls, draft letters/emails, etc. after consultation with case team on educational issues for non-EDM cases as needed and schedule permits.
- Handle dependency hearings upon occasion as needed.
- Create and/or present trainings on various education topics as needed.
- Maintain proper documentation of activities and meet a monthly client-activity hour requirement.
- Learn and/or stay current with education law, juvenile court-related case law, statutes, court rules, dependency rules, court policies and general child welfare practice.
Desired Education
Law School
Desired Degree
Juris Doctor
Desired Job Experience
- Previous experience with education law, juvenile rights and law, dependency issues, and the child welfare system are required.
- Litigation experience and skills strongly preferred.
Certifications Required
- Current license to practice law in Pennsylvania
Other Qualifications
- Excellent communication skills and ability to function as a member of a direct service team and provide representation consistent with KidsVoice Advocacy Roadmap.
- Self-motivated, energetic, team-oriented
- Interpersonal skills: ability to relate to child clients, co-workers, and others
- Written and oral communication skills
- Interviewing, investigating and problem solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Computer proficiency
- Ability to travel to schools, service providers or clients' location
