Pursuing Justice For Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Project

The Organization

Founded in 1978, SeniorLAW Center is a dynamic nonprofit public interest legal services organization whose mission is to use the power of the law to seek justice for older people, educate the community and advocate on local, state and national levels. We are the only non-profit agency in Pennsylvania whose sole focus is providing legal assistance to older people and protecting their legal rights. SeniorLAW Center prioritizes the needs of those who are low-income, minorities, limited English proficiency, disabled and those facing other vulnerabilities and challenges. We fight senior poverty, fraud and homelessness, provide protection from elder abuse and financial exploitation, enable grandparents to raise grandchildren, and improve access to justice. Our core values are a passion for justice, compassion, respect, collaboration, courage, creativity, diversity, trustworthiness, and a promise of excellence in all we do.

The Project

SeniorLAW Center seeks candidates to join its Pursuing Justice for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Project. The goal of this federally funded state-wide initiative is to enhance legal assistance for older adults raising young children when birth parents cannot, especially considering today’s opioid crisis. The project is particularly focused on aging adults who would not otherwise have access to legal assistance or resources due to a variety of reasons, such as, economic, geographic, or language barriers. While the initial focus will be on custody and family law matters, the project further aims to offer a holistic approach to meet a variety client needs. Therefore, the project will also address matters of basic human need affecting these intergenerational families which represent a host of practice areas, including, housing, financial stability, life planning, health care, and family violence.

The Position

We seek a part-time (20-24 hours/week) staff attorney. Ideal candidate would have at least 2 years of legal experience, but recent graduates are welcome to apply. Familiarity with custody matters, especially dependency proceedings, is preferred. The candidate should possess an interest, ability, and appropriate attitude to deal with the unique challenges of working with older adults. The candidate must possess great interpersonal skills, including excellent verbal and written communication abilities; excellent organizational and database skills; the ability to be a team player, and to meet deadlines. Preference will be given to those demonstrating a commitment to pro bono work, law and aging, and/or legal services for low-income communities. The position is based in our Center City Philadelphia office location; however, due to the pandemic, we are working remotely at this time.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under guidance and supervision of the Project Director, provide advocacy and referrals to clients with a focus on advising grandparents and other kinship caregivers in intergenerational custody matters
• All aspects of full representation: Client intake, advice and communication, drafting and filing pleadings, and court appearances
• Provide legal services statewide through the Pennsylvania SeniorLAW HelpLine
• Participate in scheduled staff, legal and community meetings and events, as needed
• Maintain case files and case management software/database
• Keep Project Director updated as to case status and all activities

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania
• Excellent writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Interest and ability to work with older people and persons of different backgrounds

All applications should include cover letter, resume, and at least three (3) professional references, as well as salary requirements.

PLEASE SEND TO ATTENTION OF DANA N. GOLDBERG, ESQ., LEGAL DIRECTOR, AT EMPLOYMENT@SENIORLAWCENTER.ORG.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

SeniorLAW Center is an equal opportunity employer, which values and seeks diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its work. Persons from diverse backgrounds and orientations are encouraged to apply.