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Disability Rights Tennessee

Attorney for Children & Youth Program

Disability Rights Tennessee

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Job Summary

Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT) seeks an attorney to work with the Children & Youth Program (C&Y). This position will address discrimination and harm experienced by children and youth in Tennessee institutions, community living environments, and schools. This position will work with three advocate/investigators, the program director, and another attorney to address identified areas of work. Ideal candidates possess diverse knowledge of children and youth with disabilities and litigation experience.

NOTE: Vaccination for COVID-19 is required.  

NOTE: Only resumes with a cover letter will be considered. 

Job Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

  • Review requests for DRT services and determine eligibility for services subject to determined case selection criteria
  • Provide regular legal oversight and advice to C&Y program staff providing services
  • Train program staff, individuals with disabilities, other agencies/organizations
  • Represent individuals with disabilities
  • File and participate in impact litigation
  • Perform activities to address identified systemic issues experienced by children and youth with disabilities. Activities may include:
    • council, board, and committee participation
    • outreach, information gathering, and presentations
    • develop and maintain strategic relationships with state agencies and collaborators
    • input into public policy efforts
    • file complaints
    • draft op-ed, white paper, or other public materials
    • collaborate in the development of content for social media and print publications

Qualifications

Keys to Success: Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To be successful in this job, you must possess these values, skills, and abilities:

  • commitment to increasing knowledge of the disability community
  • dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion
  • knowledge of juvenile justice and/or educational system
  • understanding of IDEA, 504, and related laws/policies
  • sensitivity to individual needs and services
  • ability to work with a team
  • strong oral and written communication skills
  • sound professional judgment
  • strong organizational and time management skills
  • computer and word processing software proficiency

Required: A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school or other law school approved by the Tennessee Supreme Court, active Tennessee law license or ability to obtain in timely fashion, and litigation experience is required.

Preferred: Five years or more of related experience, preferred. Experience in systemic litigation and/or civil rights cases, especially in areas of juvenile justice and mental health treatment facilities and/or special education, preferred.

Additional Information

Benefits

The salary for this position ranges from $50,000 to $60,000. The exact salary depends on experience. We offer excellent benefits such as flexible schedules, remote work, parental leave, paid federal and state holidays, and insurance options including medical, vision, dental, life, and disability.

How to Apply

If this seems like you, please send a resume and cover letter to anna@disabilityrightstn.org

Details

  • Date Posted: April 12, 2022
  • Type: Full-Time
  • Job Function: Legal
  • Service Area: Social / Human Services
  • Start Date: 05/23/2022
  • Salary Range: 50,000-60,000
  • Working Hours: 37.5 hrs/wk; M-F, 8:00am - 4:30pm