Dependency Staff Attorney

All employees of Women In Distress are considered “essential” and as such may be required to remain onsite and/or to assist during emergencies and other critical times.

Reports to: Injunction For Protection Program Director

Days/Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. Position requires employee to have scheduling flexibility as needed to meet the needs of clients and the agency.

Salary Range: Salary will be commensurate with experience and overall qualifications for the role.

Workplace Location(s): Downtown Fort Lauderdale and various satellite locations as needed. Regular travel to Broward County Courthouse will be required.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Juris Doctorate from a nationally accredited U.S. law school.
• Member of the Florida Bar in Good Standing with no prior disciplinary proceedings that resulted in the imposition of a penalty or suspension.
• A minimum of 2 years litigation experience in Dependency Law, including experience with Shelter Hearings and Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) proceedings. Experience representing or working with survivors of domestic, dating and sexual violence or stalking is preferred.
• Must understand the sensitivity of working with domestic violence survivors as well as the unique circumstances surrounding safety of staff and survivors while in public settings.
• Must possess highly developed interpersonal skills, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Must be able to make appropriate decisions to provide effective legal representation with minimal supervision.
• Excellent legal writing and research skills, including the ability to conduct comprehensive legal research via electronic databases such as LexisNexis. Ability to learn and become proficient in using legal case management software.
• Must have experience filing documents via FL E-portal.
• Bilingual or Multi-lingual preferred including Creole, Spanish and/or Portuguese.
• Valid Florida’s driver’s license with safe driving record. Proof of automobile liability insurance.

Position Summary:

The IFP Project Dependency Attorney shall: 1) meet with survivors of violence to provide legal advice and determine whether the attorney can assume representation of the survivor in a pending Dependency proceeding; 2) provide assistance and legal advice to survivors of violence against whom open DCF investigations are pending; 3) if the attorney assumes representation on a case, the attorney will represent the survivor in all aspects of their related Dependency matter, including participation in all hearings, up to and including Termination of Parental Rights proceedings. The attorney will also engage in discovery, motion practice and any other case-related tasks necessary for representing the survivor; 4) in collaboration with Women in Distress advocates and support staff, the attorney will advise the survivor regarding necessary service planning, safety planning and other preventative measures to avoid removal or court intervention by the Department of Children and Families; 5) where applicable, the attorney will provide legal advice to determine if seeking an Injunction for Protection is a necessary, safe and appropriate legal remedy; 6) if filing an injunction for protection is appropriate and necessary in a case, the attorney will complete and file a petition for injunction and represent the survivor at all hearings and appearances arising out of the injunction matter.

Essential Job Functions:

• The IFP Project Dependency Attorney will provide direct legal representation to survivors of violence in Dependency matters and proceedings and, where applicable, in Injunction for Protection proceedings.
• Assess additional needs of survivors and make appropriate referrals for additional services with other community-based organizations.
• The IFP Project Dependency Attorney will conduct outreach in Broward County to develop new or renew existing collaborative partnerships between community-based organizations and the Injunction for Protection Legal Project.
• Timely complete monthly and quarterly reports as required to monitor completion of project deliverables.
• Attend quarterly conference calls, IFP Project Statewide training events/ conferences, Learning Exchanges, and participate in technical on-site visits.

Additional requirements: Employee will be required to take the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Core Competency training and obtain a passing grade of 75% or higher.

Women In Distress does not discriminate by reason of race, sex, color, age, national origin, religion, mental or physical ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military reserve status, immigration status, or language spoken. All room assignments, activities, programs, etc. are provided in a non-discriminatory manner. Applicants with disabilities who may need accommodations are encouraged to contact Women in Distress at 954-760-9800 at least five days prior to scheduled interview, so that reasonable accommodations may be coordinated.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person