EXTERNAL JOB POSTING

MISSION STATEMENT

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is a non-profit public interest law firm. We provide free legal information, advice and representation to people who are unable to afford a lawyer. Our staff provides services in the following, thirteen counties: Broome, Chenango, Cayuga, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Otsego. In addition, our Agricultural Worker Program services the entire New York State.

JOB SUMMARY

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is actively seeking a dynamic, full-time Deputy Director for Program Services. This position is under the direction of the Executive Director, and will hold a key, senior leadership, and decision-making role at LASMNY. This includes supervision, maintenance, leadership, strategic planning and management of the agency’s legal programs and day-to-day operations. This position will serve to collaborate with LASMNY’s executive team to support staff development and growth, manage deliverables, and ensure compliance with the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), and additional requirements as well as LASMNY regulations, policies, and procedures. Must demonstrate a deep understanding and commitment to LASMNY’s mission, value of justice and drive equal justice for all.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide direct legal and program oversight of designated units and projects, including providing effective professional development, coaching, and mentoring.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and executive team to identify and advance policy initiatives consistent with LASMNY’s mission.
• Lead and promote an organizational culture that embraces LASMNY’s mission and values.
• Partner with the executive team in providing direction and leadership of the organization, including the development, funding, implementation, and reporting for grants and projects.
• Collaborate with programs to determine staffing plans to achieve program goals and objectives.
• Work with management to develop, evaluate, and monitor caseloads and legal work of all program attorneys and paralegals.
• Serve as spokesperson for LASMNY at meetings with stakeholders.
• Liaise with the Board of Directors, including delivering regular presentations on program activities and projects.
• Actively develop and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, advocates, funders, government agencies, elected officials, and courts.
• Advocate with state and local officials to maintain and build funding for legal services.
• Cultivate an organizational culture of excellence through creativity and innovation.
• Assist in strengthening internal dialogue to promote transparency and engagement between management and staff.
• Support building organizational diversity and institutionalizing systems that ensure an inclusive work environment for all staff.
• Respond to client, community, and staff concerns.
• Provide perspective and assist in operationalizing goals for staff development, increased retention, and developing a pipeline of a talented and diverse workforce.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Oversee and collaboratively develop program policies and practices for the legal services program work, including case handling protocols, electronic case management policies, and intake systems.
• Regularly communicate with LegalServer (case management system) developers and tech consultants to review newly released, and currently unused, LegalServer enhancements, modules, and features, to determine utility for LASMNY and evaluate the impact on users.
• Keep abreast of and analyze innovative models of service delivery. Make recommendations and operationalize new technologies that will assist in client intake and other forms of outreach. Support client community outreach initiatives.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of office-wide systems to track outcomes, improve productivity, and establish standards for programs.
• Assist in budget development and stewardship of resources. Work closely with managers, supervisors, and leadership throughout the organization to understand their needs and grant allocations.
• Facilitate interaction with other legal aid programs in our services area and throughout the state, including but not limited to increasing referrals between programs.
• Work with the executive team to develop and implement policies, procedures, and standards relevant to legal work.
• Manage the recruitment, supervision, professional development, case assignment and review with case handlers, performance management, employee relation discussions and disciplinary actions for staff in the designated branch office and program.
• Maintain accurate records and statistics for the coordination of timely reports.
• Manage data related to grant reporting process.
• Accurately and timely record billable time and case notes in our case management system.
• Serve as a signatory on checks and ensure the fiscal integrity of LASMNY funds.
• Work professionally and collaboratively with colleagues, judges, opposing counsel, court personnel, community members, bar associations, etc.
• Show commitment to professional growth in diverse areas of law.
• Keep up with knowledge of legal developments including presenting and completing Continuing Legal • Education (CLE) courses.
• Engage in outreach and community education.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Comply with LSC and LASMNY regulations, policies, and procedures, to include but not limited to the Case Management Policy (CMP) and grant-based reporting requirements.
• Perform responsibilities and duties based upon LASMNY needs and requirements as assigned by the Executive Director.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Law degree and admission to the New York State bar are required.
• Ten or more years of legal practice required.
• Five or more years of experience supervising attorneys strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment and experience in mentoring and training less-experienced attorneys.
• Experience establishing and maintaining harmonious relationships with stakeholders, including other nonprofit and legal aid organizations.
• Understanding of financial and budgeting practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to serve low-income community members.
• Ability to manage LASMNY’s case management system(s) to ensure accurate data collection and statistical tracking.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office or related software and computerized legal research.
• Bilingual or multilingual a plus.
• Travel is required to provide on-site support to staff in multiple offices.

LASMNY offers a generous benefit package! Most benefits available date of hire. Medical, Vision, Dental,

Medical Waiver Program (if eligible), Basic/Voluntary Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Flexible Savings ccounts, 403(b), Employer Contributing SEP/IRA, Mileage Reimbursement, Professional Development, CLE Registration Fees, Attorney Registration Fees, Local & NYS Bar Dues, Vacation, Sick, Personal, Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, Bar Exam Leave, Employee Assistance Plan, Relocation Assistance, Parking, Loan Repayment/Public Service Loan Forgiveness and (14) Holidays.

APPLICATION PROCESS

We encourage interested, qualified candidates to apply for this position by sending a cover letter, writing sample, resume, and three (3) professional references to jobs@lasmny.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer | Affirmative Action Employer

Fighting for Equal Justice for All | Diversity.Equity.Inclusion

Visit us at www.lasmny.org