The Mental Health Project of the Urban Justice Center (MHP) seeks an experienced, temporary, part-time Staff Attorney to represent clients with mental health needs in appealing the denial of their claims for Social Security disability benefits. MHP is a team of attorneys, social workers, and advocates dedicated to enforcing the rights of New Yorkers with mental health concerns experiencing poverty.

Responsibilities include:

• Working closely with our interdisciplinary team of attorneys, advocates, and social workers to represent Social Security disability claimants with mental illness in administrative hearings and other appeals;
• Maintaining a busy caseload and participating in all aspects of case development and hearing preparation, including intake, requests for medical evidence, written memoranda and oral advocacy;
• Contributing to the project’s systemic advocacy efforts;
• Participating in federal court litigation;
• Conducting outreach and trainings for mental health consumers and providers; and
• Supervising volunteers and interns.

Qualifications include:

• D., and at least 8 years of experience practicing law; at least five years’ experience strongly preferred;
• Knowledge of Social Security benefits programs is strongly preferred;
• Excellent research, writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills;
• Ability to work with people living with mental health concerns;
• Ability to work independently, manage a high caseload, stay organized, meet deadlines, and work under pressure;
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest or pro bono work or to advocating for persons with mental health concerns;
• Advocacy skills, and the ability to navigate bureaucratic agencies;
• Proficiency in Spanish or another foreign language is a plus.

Salary ranges from $65,419-89,114 annually with excellent benefits.  The position is for six months, with up to four days per week during that period.  To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, references and writing sample to mhpjobs@urbanjustice.org.  Please write “Disability Appeals Temporary Staff Attorney” in the email subject line.  Due to high volume, we are unable to respond to all applicants and will contact only those candidates selected for further consideration.

This is a bargaining unit position represented for collective bargaining purposes by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW, Local 2320.

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The Urban Justice Center is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.