POSITION TITLE: Family Representation Unit Supervising Attorney - Full-time
LOCATION: Kent or Sussex County
REPORTS TO: Managing Attorney, Executive Director
SALARY: Scale plus Supervising Attorney Bump. Scale for three years experience plus supervising attorney bump would be $88,050.
UNION/MANAGEMENT: In the Union’s bargaining unit.
CONTEXT OF POSITION:
The Family Representation Unit Supervising Attorney in Kent or Sussex County will help launch a Family Representation Unit. Eventually there may be a Supervising Attorney in New Castle County as well. The Family Representation Unit will aim to ensure a fair and equitable child welfare system, by leading, administering, and supporting the effective delivery of multidisciplinary representation and services to indigent parents facing Division of Family Services intervention in the parent-child relationship, including dependency, neglect, abuse, and termination of parental rights actions. Through zealous, creative, and persistent advocacy the Unit will protect, advocate, and advance the rights of parents facing the removal of their children by the Division of Family Services. The Supervising Attorney will handle a caseload and supervise other parent representation attorneys, and collaborate with/supervise social workers, peer mentors, and engage in systemic advocacy. The Supervising Attorney will report to a Managing Attorney for the Family Representation Unit and/or Executive Director of CLASI.
DUTIES:
1. In conjunction with Managing Attorney, coordinate and supervise legal work of Family Representation Unit staff.
2. In conjunction with Managing Attorney, oversee and provide support and supervision to staff in on-going casework and impact work, with a focus on representation of parents in dependency, neglect, abuse, and termination of parental rights matters in Kent and Sussex Counties.
3. In conjunction with Managing Attorney, monitor caseloads and manage processing of cases to ensure quality representation.
4. Recruit and assess applicants for Family Representation Unit staff positions in collaboration with Managing Attorney and other staff.
5. Provide leadership in developing and monitoring program priorities and objectives.
6. Assist in developing and implementing training for new and existing staff.
7. Under the supervision of the Managing Attorney, the Supervising Attorney will represent clients throughout the state of Delaware but with a focus on their home county.
8. Develop creative legal strategies to best serve clients and train Unit staff in these strategies.
9. Represent CLASI on boards councils, and committees with overlapping constituents and advocacy interests, to the extent compatible with the efforts and goals of the Family Representation Unit.
10. In consultation with the Managing Attorney, engage in Systemic Advocacy including affirmative litigation as appropriate, legislative and administrative advocacy.
11. Create and present effective public trainings on topics relevant to parent representation, including presentations to peer advocates, social workers, and impacted parents / potential clients.
12. Work with Managing Attorney and Development Director/Development Staff in fulfilling grant reporting responsibilities, applying for new grants, developing new partnerships, and facilitating existing partnerships.
13. Remote work will be permitted to the extent that it is compatible with a heavy in-court docket, and supervision responsibilities.
14. Fulfill any other reasonably related program duties.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The following qualifications are required:
1. A demonstrated commitment to parents' rights, indigent defense, and social justice issues.
2. Experience or interest in how race, gender, national origin, disability, and class intersect to create disparities for individuals and families experiencing state intervention in their lives and a willingness to challenge the state when it exists.
3. Experience and/or ability to provide representation with energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to trauma-informed, anti-racist, intersectional, non-judgmental, and holistic advocacy throughout the case.
4. Delaware Bar Admission or eligible for Rule 55.
5. Minimum of three years’ experience as an attorney preferred, with significant experience in litigation required.
6. Experience in family law/parent defense/child welfare/family regulation matters preferred.
7. Supervision experience including supervision of legal staff and programs preferred.
8. Ability to communicate in a second language preferred.
9. Must be able and willing to travel statewide as needed to fulfill duties and provide meaningful supervision of Unit staff.
CLASI strongly encourages interested candidates with lived experience with marginalization and diverse backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, people who identify as LGBTQ, veterans, people with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups. CLASI is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive workplace. Candidates with experience in criminal defense, child welfare/family regulation, social work, and social justice advocacy are strongly encouraged to apply.
To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to Daniel Atkins, at [email protected]
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
NLADA Mutual Insurance Co., RRG
