Staff Attorney - Community Guardian Program

Staff Attorney – Community Guardian Program

As a Staff Attorney, you’ll provide legal representation, counsel, and advocacy on behalf of JASA’s Community Guardian Program. You’ll support guardianship litigation, housing advocacy, public benefits representation, and legal compliance to protect and support some of New York City’s most vulnerable adults.

Shift Schedule:

Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours Per Week:

35

🌟 Why You’ll Love Working at JASA

JASA is one of NYC’s largest and most trusted nonprofit organizations serving older adults and vulnerable populations. Team members here do meaningful work that directly improves the lives of New Yorkers in need of advocacy and support.

Top Reasons to Join Us:

Meaningful Impact:

Advocate for vulnerable adults facing legal, housing, healthcare, and benefits challenges

Help clients maintain dignity, independence, and community stability

Collaborative Environment:

Work closely with social workers, case managers, finance staff, healthcare providers, and court personnel

Engage in multidisciplinary, mission-driven case planning

Professional Growth:

Build expertise in guardianship law, housing law, and public interest litigation

Gain hands-on courtroom and advocacy experience

About the Community Guardian Program

The Community Guardian Program serves as a court-appointed guardian for hundreds of adults across New York City.

Clients include individuals who:

Have serious mental illness

Are experiencing homelessness or housing instability

Are facing eviction or loss of benefits

Have no available family or friends to serve as guardian

JASA is appointed only when no suitable alternative guardian is available.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Staff Attorney, you’ll handle legal matters related to guardianship, housing, and public benefits while supporting program compliance and client advocacy.

Guardianship Litigation & Court Representation

Represent JASA in Article 81 guardianship proceedings from start to discharge

Appear in court for hearings, conferences, motion practice, and litigation

Draft and review legal documents including: Orders to Show Cause

Petitions and Cross-Petitions

Affirmations in Opposition

Orders, Oaths, Designations, and Commissions

Conduct legal research and prepare pleadings and motions

Ensure compliance with court mandates and guardianship obligations

Legal Counsel & Program Support

Provide legal guidance to CGP staff on fiduciary duties and compliance

Collaborate with caseworkers, social workers, finance, and leadership teams

Review case files to identify legal risks and obligations

Support development of comprehensive client service plans

Housing & Benefits Advocacy

Represent clients in NYC Housing Court matters, including: Non-payment proceedings

Holdover proceedings

HP proceedings

NYCHA administrative proceedings

Provide legal counsel on public benefits, including: Medicaid

Medicare

SNAP

Social Security

Cash Assistance and other entitlements

Advocate to maintain and restore critical benefits and services

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

Coordinate with courts, government agencies, and service providers

Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and case conferences

Work with multidisciplinary teams to balance legal and service needs

Additional Responsibilities

Travel throughout New York City as needed

Work occasional evenings or extended hours with limited notice

Perform additional duties as assigned

What You’ll Need

Education & Licensure

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Admission to the New York State Bar in good standing

Experience

3+ years of litigation experience preferred

Experience with Article 81 guardianship strongly preferred

Experience in landlord-tenant law and Housing Court strongly preferred

Commitment to public interest law and serving vulnerable populations

Skills & Competencies

Strong knowledge of guardianship law and fiduciary responsibilities

Experience with government benefits systems (Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security, etc.)

Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skills

Ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly

Strong organizational and time management skills

Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment

Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills

Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Technology Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace

Ability to learn new systems and legal technology platforms

Benefits at a Glance

JASA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and future.

Health & Wellness

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage options

Employee Wellness Programs (fitness + mental health support)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Retirement Savings

403(b) retirement plan

Pension plan with employer contributions

Generous Time Off

Paid vacation time

Holidays and floating holidays

Paid time off for work-life balance

Professional Development

Training and continuing education opportunities

Career growth within the organization

Employee Recognition

Employee recognition programs celebrating contributions

EEO Statement

JASA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law.