Staff Attorney

The Support Center for Child Advocates (Child Advocates) is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to represent court-involved children in Philadelphia, in dependency proceedings arising out of child abuse and neglect, and in criminal proceedings where the child is a victim or witness to abuse and the alleged abuser is being prosecuted.

Agency: Child Advocates is Philadelphia’s volunteer lawyer program for abused and neglected children, providing legal and social service advocacy, through the service of volunteer attorneys teamed with staff social workers and attorneys. Child Advocates utilizes a "whole child" model of representation, while focusing on advocacy for safety, health, education, family permanency, and access to justice for child clients. Systemically, we promote collaborative, multi-disciplinary casework and solutions to recurrent problems. For the community, we provide educational programs to increase awareness about the problems of and ways to prevent child abuse. Whenever possible, Child Advocates seeks to maintain children in their homes of origin. Child Advocates amplifies the child’s voice in court proceedings, and further seeks to protect children by securing social services, advocating as needed for alternative homes, and supporting children when testifying in court. Respected for diligent and effective advocacy in more than 44 years of service, Child Advocates attorneys and social workers move public systems to deliver entitled services and private systems to open their doors to children and their families.

• Position Summary: The Staff Attorney is responsible for representing children in dependency court proceedings, attendance at internal and external agency meetings pertaining to planning and service provision, and visiting clients at their homes and/or placements (wherever the client is currently residing.) The Staff Attorney will carry their own caseload, as well as consult on agency cases with Child Advocates social workers, and provide technical assistance and training to volunteer attorneys to ensure that our network of volunteer attorneys is equipped with the best practices for advocating for our clients’ needs. The Staff Attorney will also participate in trainings and appellate work and when appointed, advocate for clients who are victims and witnesses in criminal matters.

• This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties. A complete job description with a comprehensive list of duties is available upon request.

Qualifications: Candidate must be licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We are seeking an attorney who is familiar with child welfare law and practice, with strong written and oral communication skills. Minimum 3 years legal experience preferred. Public interest and/or experience working with children and families strongly favored. Spanish or other second language proficiency preferred.

Compensation: This is a full-time position covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Support Center for Child Advocates and National Organization of Legal Service Workers/UAW Local 2320. The current minimum starting salary is $70,000 which increases with direct years of experience and according to provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement.

Benefits: Health, disability and life insurance; 401-K; cafeteria plan for dependent care expenses; and a generous leave program. Hybrid Schedule.

Application Instructions

APPLY TO: Send cover letter and resume by email to personnel@sccalaw.org (SUBJECT: “Staff Attorney Search”).

Child Advocates does not discriminate in any aspect of employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.