Staff Attorney, Housing

ABOUT US

Sanctuary for Families is New York’s leading service provider and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking and related forms of gender violence. Every year, Sanctuary empowers thousands of adults and children to move from fear and abuse to safety and stability, transforming lives through a comprehensive range of services. We provide a range of wrap-around services to help survivors rebuild their lives in the aftermath of abuse, and work to end gender violence through three key strategies: direct services, outreach and training, and systems-change advocacy. Our services are available in 12 locations throughout New York City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Sanctuary for Families, Center for Battered Women’s Legal Services, the largest provider in the U.S. of legal services exclusively for victims of domestic violence and related forms of gender-based violence, seeks a dynamic individual with a commitment to working with victims and survivors. The Staff Attorney will handle housing matters such as eviction and HP actions in the housing courts of the five boroughs of New York City, lease termination matters, and legal advocacy on public housing and housing-related benefits and will work under the supervision of a supervising housing attorney.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represents victims of gender violence in housing court proceedings, including non-payments, holdovers, and HP actions.
• Represents victims of gender violence in other forums, including Article 78 proceedings in Supreme Court.
• Provides legal advocacy with respect to early lease terminations, public housing, housing-related benefits, and rental arrears assistance.
• Provides legal assistance and consultations to pro se litigants in housing law matters.
• Screens, advises, and advocates for clients in legal and non-legal forums.
• Creates and conduct trainings on housing law and policy.
• Represents Sanctuary for Families on task forces and other political and advocacy committees outside the agency and at community events.
• Supports training of junior staff members, law students, pro bono attorneys and Sanctuary staff.
• Attends and participates in inter-agency conferences and legal/ bar association committee meetings to keep abreast of developments in the areas of pro bono, domestic violence, and housing law.
• Facilitates clients' access to intra-agency and outside resources and administers the provision of direct financial assistance and donations to clients.
• Develops and conducts outreaches to under-served communities.
• Maintains statistics relating to client services for grant reporting purposes.
• Performs any other department or agency-related duties or special projects as directed by supervisor.
• Collaborates with all other projects within the legal center on housing, public benefits, and family law issues.
• Collaborates with Clinical staff on housing issues for clients.

• JD and Admission to the NY Bar.
• 2- 4 years’ experience of prior housing law knowledge and experience preferred.
• Strong computer skills.
• Good public speaking skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to multi-task and balance complicated cases.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• Ability to work well with diverse people and institutions.
• Sensitivity to issues of cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity with strong lawyering, advocacy, and leadership skills to provide zealous, knowledgeable legal advocacy to domestic violence victims and other victims of gender-based violence.
• Knowledge of the dynamics of gender-based oppression and a strong motivation to combat gender-based violence.
• Proficiency in a language other than English is preferred but not required.

Budgeted Salary: $79,962 - $92,834 per year; based on experience pursuant to STEP wage scale in accordance with collective bargaining agreement

Work position is Full-time (standard 35 hours/week), Salaried/ Exempt

Work schedule is currently Hybrid; must be able to meet job location schedule obligations

Benefits:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer retirement contribution
• Paid time off (Holidays, Vacation, Personal, Sick)
• Generous Leave Policy
• Flexible spending account / Health savings account
• Student loan assistance
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Gym reimbursement program
• Wellness program and rewards

Sanctuary for Families is a welcoming workplace. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed (religion), color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status or domestic violence victim status, and other categories protected under Federal, New York state or New York city laws.

Survivors of gender-based violence are strongly encouraged to apply.