Legal Director of the BJHJC

Scranton, PA

Leonard Workforce Solutions is recruiting a Legal Director of the Barbara J. Hart Justice Center for my client WRC (formerly Women’s Resource Center) in Scranton, PA.

This is a full-time HYBRID position based in Scranton, PA with occasional travel to the Montrose, PA office.

The starting salary range is $92,000 - $100,000/yr. DOE + AMAZING benefits.

PRIMARY FUNCTION:  The Legal Director (LD) coordinates and supervises civil legal services for victims of domestic violence and/or sexual violence in Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties in accordance with philosophy and mission of WRC and in full compliance with all funding sources.   Responsible to assure provision of civil legal representation which is client centered including the provision legal information, consultation and representation for WRC program participants.

Responsibilities:

1.  Administration

  • *Overall management of the Barbara J. Hart Justice Center including supervision of all legal staff and interns assigned to the Center.

  • * Manage referrals to BJHJC by assessing civil legal needs of WRC program participants.

  • *Plan and implement ongoing domestic violence and sexual assault training for BJHJC staff, student interns and volunteers.

  • *Manage the BJHJC grants, including preparing proposals; completing grant reports; and coordinates budget development and monitoring in coordination with WRC’s fiscal director and executive director.

  • *Oversee the development and implementation of WRC and BJHJC policies and procedures to ensure quality services and to enable WRC program participants to achieve justice, safety, restoration and autonomy.

  •  *Implements and manages BJHJC fee for service program.

  • *Work cooperatively with the executive director on program evaluation and planning for the BJHJC activities.

  • *Develop, organize and maintain resource materials specific to the needs of program participants and staff of the BJHJC.

  • Participate on the directors’ team.

2.  Legal Representation and other Direct Services

  • *Representation of program participants in petitioning/filing for a Protection From Abuse order, child custody, divorce, child support, spousal support, Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) - domestic violence waiver, and other claims related to civil representation.   Representation may include, but not be limited to, interviews, filings, court appearances, trials, and all necessary subsequent litigation such as contempt petitions and appeals.

  • *Coordinate legal research and preparation of court documents

  • *Participate in advocacy activities on behalf of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking on a local, state and national level, specifically but not limited to, PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) DV Attorney Network, PA Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) Legal Committee, county Coalitions, housing authorities, and employers.

  • * Maintain appropriate files, records and reports according to legal standards and as required by funding sources and the Executive Director.

  • * Maintain continuing legal education (CLE) credits as required for licensure.

3.  Collaboration and Networking

  • * Coordinate with WRC program directors to focus on the needs of program participants and their children.

  • *Builds and maintains strong partnership with WRC program directors and advocates always working collaboratively to serve the participants.

  • *Develop, implement and coordinate ongoing systems advocacy to improve the response to victims in all relevant systems including the community, law enforcement, Department of Public Welfare/TANF, housing authorities, courts, law profession, and social service organizations.

  • * Provide consultation and training to the staff of WRC around legal issues.

  • * Act as liaison to WRC’s Board of Director’s Legal Committee.

4.  Other

  • * Participate in staff meetings, in-service trainings and other related functions of WRC, which may require travel.

  • * Participate in training required under the Legal Assistance for Victims grant through the U. S. Department of Justice and the Office on Violence Against Women.

  •  *Other responsibilities assigned to assure proper legal services, overall management of the BJHJ center and quality service delivery within WRC.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.  Required:

  • Law degree from an accredited law school and License to practice law in Pennsylvania or the ability to obtain licensure within six months of hire.

  • Jury trial experience.

  • Ability to exercise professional competence and independent judgment, and maintain the highest ethical standards.

  • Must complete WRC’s required coalition approved training program within 6 mos.

  • Travel is necessary and access to reliable transportation is essential, including for training and development which may necessitate being out of the area for a period of time over night stays.

  • Three to five years supervisory experience in a non-profit organization, family law firm and/or public interest law firm. 

  • Must pass Act 33, Act 34, and FBI background clearances.

  • Must be willing to schedule working hours to coincide with the priorities of the Center.

*Indicates the essential job functions as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act.                                      

*** Interested parties should email their resume and a brief email/note of interest to Bill Leonard at LeonardWorkforceSolutions@gmail.com

STATUS: Recruiting