Managing Attorney - Mental Health - Maryland Disability Law Center (MDLC), Baltimore, MD
Posted: Thursday, June 12, 2014
AGENCY DESCRIPTION
Maryland Disability Law Center (MDLC), a nonprofit legal advocacy organization, is the designated Protection & Advocacy agency for Maryland, mandated under federal law to advance the rights of people with all types of disabilities, of all ages.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Managing Attorney for Mental Health will work in collaboration with MDLC's legal team to develop, direct and supervise its Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Program (PAIMI) Program. The attorney will develop and lead MDLC's systemic and policy work, including outreach, education, monitoring and investigatory activities; provide legal advice and technical assistance; represent clients in judicial and administrative proceedings and other contexts; and supervise and/or advise the work of MDLC staff attorneys related to Mental Health. This position will be supervised by the Director of Litigation. The ideal candidate will share MDLC's values and commitment to the fundamental rights of people with disabilities to maintain independence and full access to the communities in which they live.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide leadership and expertise in mental health advocacy. Direct PAIMI program activities, including abuse/neglect monitoring and investigations at psychiatric facilities, providing individual legal representation, and promoting systemic reform through policy advocacy and litigation.
Manage individual case/workload in conformity with MDLC priorities, policies and case management procedures; applicable professional standards and best practices; legal, ethical and other requirements. Ensure compliance with federal grant application and reporting requirements.
Investigate potential legal claims of people with disabilities. Provide legal advice and represent clients in judicial and administrative proceedings.
Draft and supervise the drafting of legal pleadings, testimony, comments, memoranda, letters etc., in a clear, concise and compelling manner.
Provide technical assistance to people with disabilities, other legal assistance providers, and various agencies and stakeholders. Prepare and oversee the preparation of training materials and deliver presentations and workshops on subjects pertinent to people with disabilities.
Participate in professional development and organize such activities for MDLC staff.
Exercise sound independent judgment in the handling of cases and all other advocacy activities. Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and judgment in a law firm environment.
Adhere to MDLC policies, practices and case management procedures in the execution of job responsibilities. Understand and follow requirements of any federal, state, or private funding sources related to assigned work. Competently utilize database and time tracking systems.
Perform other appropriate duties as may be assigned. Travel throughout the State of Maryland as may be required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
J. D. degree from an accredited law school.
Licensed to practice law in Maryland or licensed in another state and willing to take steps to be admitted to the Maryland bar within twelve (12) months of beginning employment with MDLC.
A minimum of 5 years of experience as a lawyer, with experience in mental health, administrative appeals, court cases, and policy and systems work such as regulatory comments, advocacy with state agencies, and working in coalitions with other legal and non-legal partners.
Experience providing individual representation and the ability to independently identify and develop substantive legal work. Ability to analyze complex legal issues, develop and execute a variety of advocacy strategies, conduct legal research and communicate complex legal issues clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
Experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons with disabilities and from multi-ethnic communities. Demonstrated ability to relate respectfully with persons diagnosed with a psychiatric diagnosis and effectively advocate on their behalf with psychiatric facility staff and administration, external advocacy and service organizations, and state agencies.
Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise legal staff. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and collaborate with colleagues in a team environment. Ability to work independently and in teams, successfully manage multiple work priorities and work under deadlines.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in the handling of all advocacy activities.
Computer literacy and proficiency with software utilized to carry out job functions.
Ability to travel within the State of Maryland.
Strong commitment to MDLC's core mission of ensuring the rights of people with disabilities to self-determination, freedom from harm, due process protections, to develop physically, emotionally and intellectually, and to participate in community life, with meaningful choices and opportunities.
OTHER HELPFUL QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working as a lawyer in a public interest or legal services office.
Supervisory or other leadership experience in a law firm, public interest or legal services office.
Federal or other grant management experience.
Experience working directly with MDLC client populations.
Experience in systemic litigation and/or public policy.
Ability to communicate in ASL, Spanish or another non-English language.
Life experience with disability.
Individuals with disabilities, people of color, LGBT individuals and others who contribute to staff diversity are especially encouraged to apply. MDLC is an Equal Opportunity employer.
The salary range for this position and benefits package is competitive with other Maryland public interest law providers.
Mail cover letter with salary requirements, resume, writing sample and references to:
Maryland Disability Law Center
ATTN: Managing Attorney - Mental Health position
1500 Union Avenue, Suite 2000
Baltimore, MD 21211
Or via email with "Managing Attorney - Mental Health position" in the subject line to: [email protected].
This position was announced on June 2, 2014, and priority consideration will be given to applications received by June 16, 2014.
