Legal Aid Attorney - Ombudsman

Overview

AARP's Legal Counsel for the Elderly champions the dignity and rights of vulnerable Washington, D.C. seniors 60-plus, providing free legal and social work services to those in need - empowering, defending, protecting, and helping thousands of clients each year in many areas of civil law.

The Legal Aid Attorney- Ombudsmen provides legal counsel and represents clients in legal proceedings, including filing for hearings to protect residents' services and rights. Collaborates with management to identify opportunities to support the business unit/department. Advises staff regarding legal options for resolution of client complaints. Works with the program director to support systemic advocacy efforts to include assisting with developing testimony, reviewing relevant laws and government policies, and collaborating with key partners to address individual and systemic problems impacting the health, safety, and rights of long-term care residents. Provides training to staff, volunteers, and providers on topics of a legal nature, and oversees legal interns assigned to the program.

Responsibilities

• Provides timely, accurate information, legal advice, representation including in complex litigation and/or significant non-litigation matters, referral, self-help materials, guidance, and/or other assistance to eligible clients within and related to the attorney's practice area. Performs quality controls for the practice area.
• Engages in significant systemic advocacy relating to areas of expertise, including impact litigation as well as testimony and advocacy before legislative and governmental agencies.
• Provides supervision and training, refers cases, and supports work of Attorneys I, pro bono attorneys, volunteers, law students, and legal support staff on assigned cases. Oversees and conducts community outreach, education, and training events.
• Develops and maintains expertise in primary areas of responsibility. Conducts professional presentations locally and nationally and writes articles for journals and other periodicals and/or preparation of manuals.
• Collaborates with other legal services advocates, clients, and community leaders with the purpose of collaborating on systemic issues and develop innovative approaches to enhance service delivery to clients.
• Manages projects within practice area including creating and expanding on existing projects and identifying ways to make the practice more effective and efficient. Steps in as manager with day-to-day responsibilities over the practice group as needed.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree and member in good standing of the DC bar or eligible to waive in.
• Minimum of 6 years of legal experience.
• Local travel up to 20%.

Preferred:

• Direct or systemic experience advocating on behalf of seniors receiving long-term care services.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state regulations governing District nursing homes, assisted living residences, community residential facilities, Medicaid, and Elderly Persons with Physical Disabilities (EPD).
• Experience conducting training and public education on elder rights issues.

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships.
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions.
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise.

Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA)

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as telecommuting workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work and telecommuting can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition; tuition reimbursement; among others.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.