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 11 locations throughout New York City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Sanctuary’s Matrimonial/Economic Justice Project is seeking a Supervising Attorney to supervise the agency’s legal housing practice. The Supervising Attorney will represent clients in housing matters, including eviction proceedings, HP actions, illegal lockouts and administrative proceedings, and engage in legal advocacy with respect to public housing, housing subsidies and related public benefits issues. The Supervising Attorney will also train, supervise and mentor staff attorney(s),  project assistants, pro bono attorneys and interns on housing and related public benefits matters. The ideal candidate will be an experienced housing attorney with strong advocacy and management skills, who is passionate about asserting tenants’ rights and working with survivors of gender-based violence. The Supervising Attorney will also conduct civil legal screenings at the Brooklyn Family Justice Center, and provide clients advice and pro se assistance in connection with orders of protection, custody/visitation, child support and divorce matters.

 RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represent survivors of gender-based violence in housing court proceedings, including nonpayment and holdover eviction proceedings, HP actions and illegal lockout proceedings.
• Provide legal advocacy on behalf of survivors of gender-based violence in connection with early lease terminations, public housing, housing subsidies (including by filing FHEPS to Stay Applications), and related public benefits issues, including through representation at administrative hearings, as needed.
• Train, supervise and mentor the agency’s legal housing team (consisting of a staff attorney and two project assistants), pro bono attorneys and interns on housing and related public benefits matters.
• Co-Chair the agency’s Housing Strategic Planning Working Group (including by convening and setting the agenda for monthly meetings, and planning and implementing agency-wide housing trainings and other programming).
• Develop and maintain relationships with peer legal services providers, and attend and participate in task force/working group meetings and trainings regarding tenants’ rights in New York City, to keep abreast of developments in housing and related public benefits laws/programs.
• Develop and provide internal and external housing trainings and updates to staff, Sanctuary’s Board of Directors and other agency committees, clients, and other community-based organizations, at your discretion and as requested.
• Collaborate with other projects within the legal center, and departments throughout the agency, on housing and related public benefits issues, and to refer clients for assistance with other legal issues, or Clinical or case management needs.
• At least twice per month, conduct civil legal screenings at the Brooklyn Family Justice Center, and provide clients advice and pro se assistance in connection with orders of protection, custody/visitation, child support and divorce matters.
• Perform other department or agency-related duties or special projects, as directed by the Director of the Matrimonial/Economic Justice Project and/or the Director of the Legal Center.

 REQUIREMENTS

•  J.D. and admission to the New York State Bar.
• At least three to five years of experience representing tenants in New York City Housing Court.
• Demonstrated ability to train, supervise and manage a team.
• Strong public speaking, communication, time management, organization, and research and writing skills.
• Ability to multi-task, work independently, be flexible, and balance complicated cases with managerial responsibilities in a fast-based environment.
• Sensitivity to issues of cultural, ethnic and racial diversity, and ability to collaborate well with diverse people (including clients and staff).
• Knowledge of (or desire to learn about) the dynamics of gender-based oppression and a strong motivation to combat gender-based violence.
• Fluency in a second language preferred.
• Family law knowledge and experience preferred.

Budgeted Salary: $85,000 – $92,000 annually

Work position is currently hybrid; must be located in or able to travel to NYC area 

Vaccination Policy: Proof of vaccination or proof of first dose with scheduled 2nd dose within 30 days is required.

Benefits:

•     Health, Dental and Vision Insurance 
•     Employer-paid life insurance 
•     Employer retirement contribution
•     Paid time off
•     Flex spending account 
•     Student loan assistance
•     Tuition reimbursement program
•     Gym reimbursement program  

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 characteristic, marital status or domestic violence victim status, and shall also follow the requirements of the Human Rights Law with regard to non-discrimination on the basis of prior criminal conviction and prior arrest.

D.E.I Commitment: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are core values at Sanctuary for Families that represent our dedication to fostering a safe, respectful, responsive, and fair work environment. We recognize the value diversity holds in embracing all employees, clients, and volunteers regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or professional level.