Research and Policy Staff Attorney—Charter Schools Initiative
Job Description
Overview
Advocates for Children of New York, Inc. (AFC) seeks an attorney to provide direct
representation, policy advocacy, and community outreach to ensure that families with students in charter schools have meaningful access to their educational rights. This attorney will use AFC’s integrated strategies to advocate for the needs of the growing number of students attending New York City’s charter schools. With over 120,000 New York City students opting for charter schools, the need for advocacy by an attorney versed in both education law and the specifics of charter schools is increasingly essential. The attorney in this position will litigate the special education and discipline rights of low-income families with students in charter schools in administrative proceedings to obtain appropriate educational services. The attorney will also conduct technical assistance for families and professionals regarding cases involving special education and discipline in charter schools and conduct trainings for parents, charter school stakeholders and other providers about charter schools’ responsibilities regarding students with disabilities and discipline rights. Using knowledge gained from direct representation, the attorney will engage in systemic advocacy to advance the civil rights of students in charter schools.
Working in partnership with New York City’s most disadvantaged families to secure quality public education services, AFC is a not-for-profit social justice organization that enforces civil rights law. AFC works on behalf of children and youth who are at greatest risk of academic failure due to poverty, race, ethnicity, disability, homelessness, immigration status/limited English proficiency, or involvement in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems. We use uniquely integrated strategies to advance systemic reform, empower families and communities, and advocate for the educational rights of individual students.
Responsibilities
Direct Representation: The attorney’s workload will consist primarily of casework with parents of charter school students. The attorney will advocate for students who are in danger of being suspended or expelled, are in need of special education supports, or are experiencing discrimination in their charter schools. As part of this advocacy, the attorney will provide families with information on their rights in charter schools; facilitate referrals for evaluations; participate in school meetings; advocate to school and New York City Department of Education administrators; identify appropriate school placements and services for students; and represent families at suspension/expulsion hearings and special education administrative hearings when necessary.
Systemic Advocacy: Using knowledge gained from direct representation, the attorney will engage in policy advocacy, which may include writing letters and reports, participating in policy meetings, and working in coalitions to advocate for systemwide changes related to special education at charter schools and charter school discipline. The attorney will also contribute to litigation efforts at a systemic level such as complaints to the state or federal Education Departments or in state and federal court.
Outreach and Training: Through the development of materials and presentations, the attorney will educate parents and charter school staff about parents’ and students’ rights in charter schools with a focus on rights related to special education and discipline. The attorney will also provide technical assistance to other attorneys and advocates who represent students in charter school discipline, special education, or discrimination matters.
Qualifications
• Law degree, with admission to the NYS bar preferred;
• One to two years of litigation experience is preferred;
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and public education;
• Experience working with children or families;
• Experience in education advocacy, disability rights, school discipline or civil rights law;
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively;
• Strong leadership skills;
• Outstanding oral and written advocacy skills, research and analytical skills;
• Organizational skills, initiative, flexibility, and experience working with a diverse team;
• Proficiency in a language other than English, particularly Spanish, is preferred;
• Knowledge of charter schools is preferred.
Compensation
The salary depends on experience and includes generous benefits.
AFC is an affirmative action employer that actively encourages applications from a broad spectrum of people, including people of color, with disabilities, and of diverse religions, national origins, gender identities, sexual orientations and socioeconomic backgrounds.
