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.