Advocacy Staff Attorney

Responsibilities

 

• http://www.jcfs.org/sites/default/themes/jcfs/images/bullet.gif); background-position: 6px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Provide direct legal representation to clients in a manner consistent with approach and parameters outlined by the Advocacy Program Director.
• http://www.jcfs.org/sites/default/themes/jcfs/images/bullet.gif); background-position: 6px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Provide consultation, information, in-service training and referral services to clients and to staff of various Jewish Federation agencies.
• http://www.jcfs.org/sites/default/themes/jcfs/images/bullet.gif); background-position: 6px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Researches, develops, and presents educational programs for clients, families, and community members on issues related to their rights and responsibilities concerning special education.
• http://www.jcfs.org/sites/default/themes/jcfs/images/bullet.gif); background-position: 6px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Networks with staff of Jewish Federation agencies in order to promote and encourage referrals to Advocacy Services.  Remains current on Federation programs and services available to people with disabilities.  Builds coalitions with other programs and individuals serving people with disabilities in order to expand sources for referral and to increase the visibility of the program.
• http://www.jcfs.org/sites/default/themes/jcfs/images/bullet.gif); background-position: 6px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Maintains an active interest and participates in the professional field; analyzes trends or innovations in specific programs and brings these to the attention of the Legal Advocate.
• http://www.jcfs.org/sites/default/themes/jcfs/images/bullet.gif); background-position: 6px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Prepares or assists the Director in preparing formal reports as the Jewish Federation and/or JCFS requires.
• http://www.jcfs.org/sites/default/themes/jcfs/images/bullet.gif); background-position: 6px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Responsible for ensuring departmental billings are accurate and timely.  Uses designated tools to enter time and expenses and generate client bills in an accurate and timely manner as outlined by the Director.

JCFS offers an array of benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pension, Flexible Spending Plans, Life Insurance, LTD, STD, and sick time and vacation time. 

Requirements

• • • http://www.jcfs.org/sites/default/themes/jcfs/images/bullet.gif); background-position: 6px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Current Illinois Law License.  Position requires a Jurist Doctorate from an accredited law school, and an Illinois license
    • http://www.jcfs.org/sites/default/themes/jcfs/images/bullet.gif); background-position: 6px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Knowledge and Experiece: Minimum of 2 years in special education law in IL and Individual Education Plan (IEP) process required.  Specific experience providing legal advocacy services to persons with disabilities desirable.  OR Admission to the Federal Bar and Federal Court experience, with or without special education background
    • http://www.jcfs.org/sites/default/themes/jcfs/images/bullet.gif); background-position: 6px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Ability to research and analyze relevant background data thoroughly as well as prepare written communications in a concise and accurate manner is required
    • http://www.jcfs.org/sites/default/themes/jcfs/images/bullet.gif); background-position: 6px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Incumbent must be able to present information and train other in an engaging manner; this may be in a one-on-one basis, in small groups or large formal settings.  Ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal) with various internal contacts, clients, and external partners is key.
    • http://www.jcfs.org/sites/default/themes/jcfs/images/bullet.gif); background-position: 6px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Due to the nature of the Advocacy Department's design and fiscal realities, the incumbent must be willing to work flexibly and take on tasks that may be done elsewhere by a paralegal.
    • http://www.jcfs.org/sites/default/themes/jcfs/images/bullet.gif); background-position: 6px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Solid proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required.  Moderate to good Microsoft Excel and mathematics compentencies will be required in order to efficiently perform billing duites.